Post by Bardigan on Dec 15, 2013 16:47:26 GMT -5
For the sanity of everyone involved, Bardigan attempts to get Trixie to try and cooperate with Twilight Sparkle in her next show, and maybe genuinely extend the hoof of friendship in the process.
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[Bardigan's House]
Bardigan's retreat from the world is a charming little two story cottage set near the edge of Whitetail Woods. Away from the hustle and bustle of main paths and roads while still being close enough to easily access Ponyville, this seems like a perfect artist's getaway. Built out of sturdy wood and white brick, littered with leaves and vines from the forest as its owner is simply too busy creating to worry about things like that, it manages to be a house without being too ubiquitous among the tall trees. A smoking chimney sprouts out of the side, and several windows usually have a candle or two in them.
Within the house there is a mess of knick-knacks, odd artifacts, and not very valuable treasures all over the house, almost all of which are labeled with some esoteric message hinting at a greater story. All of them, however, are placed with reverent order, being not so much cluttered as carefully packed.
This is a clean establishment, taken care of by somepony with good order and appearances in mind. Upstairs one can find Bardigan's bedroom (the most comfortable in Ponyville!), Diamond Dancer's star-filled room, a sitting area, a back door leading to the garden and a nightmarishly crowded study with books and ink-spattered papers covering every inch.
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Bardigan is waiting. When he waits, he looks remarkably relaxed, seated on a cushy chair with a pipe in his mouth. There's nothing in it, because he doesn't smoke - he just likes to have it in his mouth and chew on it when he's feeling thoughtful. He *did* give Derpy the message to deliver, and surely a pony as... visible... as Trixie should be easy to find. Some tea is steaming on a nearby kettle. Of course, it's one of Twilight's favorites.
The door to Bardigan's home is abruptly hoofed open, so hard it bangs against the other wall and knocks some loose plaster down. "The Great and Powerful Trixie!" booms a (sadly) familiar voice. Silhouetted briefly against the open doorway, a blue unicorn mare in purple cape and hat stands proudly, hoof still on the door where she threw it open. "... has received your message."
Bardigan jumps so hard the pipe drops from his mouth. He looks over his shoulder, spots Trixie, and disappears behind his chair for a moment. When he comes back out, his mane is a little more fancy, and he has one of those glamorous smiles actors usually do. "Trixie," he says, his voice quite humble compared to his appearance. "Welcome to my home Come in, please." He waves her inside and bows. "Thank you for coming. I know it was short notice."
Trixie trots in happily, levitating her hat onto a convenient hat rack and slamming the door behind her. A little more plaster falls at the second jarring impact. "Bardigan," she purrs back, clopping on up to another chair and quite delicately seats herself. The blue unicorn puts a hoof to her chest. "What can I, the Great and Powerful Trixie, do for you?" Her eyelashes flutter demurely.
Bardigan tries to ignore the groaning and creaking coming from his ceiling once Trixie is through with his door. He pours two cups of tea and brings them back on a tray, gently laying them down on a side table. "Talk," he says with a bright smile. "And we'll see where things go from there. If you are going to be Twilight Sparkle's friend, it stands to reason you will likely be mine as well." He sits down across from her, holding his cup in his hooves. "We both know *of* each other. I would like to get to *know* each other."
The unicorn's horn glows faintly and she hovers the teacup just in front of her muzzle, blowing gently on the steam. "Twilight and Trixie already *are* friends," she... exaggerates slightly. At least they don't resent each other quite as much as they used to. "But if it's Trixie you're interested in." A book poofs into existence and lays itself down gently on the table between them. The Great and Powerful Trixie: The Untold Story it proclaims itself. "Trixie's officially licensed tell-all autobiography," she advises with a smile.
Bardigan looks down at the book. He's struggling to keep the smile on his face. What's that word for what he's feeling? Ah yes: flabbergasted. "What I mean is, Trixie..." he says, deciding to ignore the book for now, "I mean I'd like to get to know *you.* Forgive me for being so forthright, but... well. Twilight is my special somepony. So I am ever so mildly... anxious about this. I would very much like this plan of yours to work out for you. And so would Twilight." He sips his tea, bright green eyes regarding Trixie over the cup rim.
Trixie balances the teacup on the flat of her hoof-bottom, regarding it like a wine-taster. "It's nothing at all to be *anxious* about. It's just a little show for the foals, some fireworks, some feel-goods before everypony goes home and gets snuggy-wuggy in their little beds for Hearth's Warming." She leans to one side in the chair, keeping the teacup precariously balanced and threatening Bardigan's upholstery. "Ponies put on concerts all the time, don't they? And... that one... the pink one... with the parties. Nopony is worried about her, now are they?"
Bardigan sighs delicately. "Yes, but... the memories of what happened, Trixie. They're still fresh in many minds. I'm not saying this because I don't trust you," he says quickly, raising his hoof. "Twilight settled the matter and we're of one mind: you deserve this chance. It's just that... I care about Twilight so much, and I so want this to go *right,* for both of you. I suppose what I am saying is that I would like to help. If you will have me, of course." He inclines his head humbly. "I am a stagepony like yourself, and I have lived here for some time, so I know the ponies. And forgive me, but I have a little more experience with what would make her happy than you, I think."
The teacup in Trixie's hoof bobbles a bit, but she restores balance quickly. "Trixie has SAID she's sorry for enslaving the town and forcing everypony to do her evil bidding!" Like, sheesh, what else do these podunk yokels want from her? Her cheeks puff out indignantly and her muzzle scrunches. With a soft 'hmmph' noise, she levitates the cup to her mouth and adds over the rim, "I'd be... happy for any help you can offer. Erecting a stage, setting up lights, carrying heavy things... whatever else it is that stageponies do."
Bardigan chuckles. "I can do all those things and more, Trixie. I probably should have asked: do you know who *I* am beyond my name and relation to Twilight?"
"Indeed," Bardigan says, setting his tea with practiced aplomb. Finally, it's *his* turn to blow his own horn! He clears his throat. "I am Bardigan, premier playwright and actor of the highest degree. If you've been to Canterlot you probably have seen the posters scattered about with my face on them. I am known in a great many social circles. I have written plays for Princesses, fell in love with two, won the hearts of both and the hoof of one. I have told stories even the ancients have forgotten, and once unleashed a curse of undead pirates. I can do much, much more than just help with assembling a stage, Trixie. I have clout and resources. Moreover, I would like to be involved if only to show my support for Twilight. I would be ever so obliged if you accepted my hoof, and let me in on the planning process."
Trixie sits patiently through the self-aggrandizement with the air of a student listening disinterestedly to a lecture. Gosh, how someponies *DO* like to talk about themselves! "Trixie is sure she may have seen... something-or-other of the sort," the blue unicorn graciously favors Bardigan. "If you're a fan of the stage, then you know that a magician NEVER reveals her secrets. So... Trixie is sorry. Closed book."
Bardigan breathes in and out through his nose. Sniiiiff, puff. "I don't think you understand, Trixie," he says, struggling not to be blunt, as in picking up a blunt object. He leans forward and peers directly at her. Eyes that were praised for getting Commander Wingscream's death glare just right are looking right at the blue unicorn. "Twilight Sparkle *wants* to be your *friend,*" he says in a low, carefully measured tone. "And she will be walking onto that stage expecting the same from you. And to be perfectly honest, I worry about you. Not your intent, but your grasp of the situation. And I am asking you to let me help you make this process as smooth as possible."
Trixie is, perhaps, not as dumb as she looks. "You're worried that I'm abusing her trust in order to promote myself. To use Twilight like a dolled up showpony for publicity's sake and not in any real attempt to mend bridges." She stretches her foreleg out languorously. "In a way, you wouldn't be wrong," she admits brazenly. "But in many ways, you wouldn't be right either."
Bardigan leans back in his chair, raising his eyebrows. It's hard to tell if he looks impressed or skeptical. "Convince me."
"I'm a performer," Trixie begins casually, cradling the teacup in both hooves before setting it down gently on the table between them. "It's my talent. It's my cutie mark. And if nopony wants to see me perform, if they run me out of town on sight, well..." She shakes her head gently and exhales. "What am I supposed to do? I need to get a hoof back in the door so ponies will throw roses instead of tomatoes." Why do they ALWAYS have tomatoes?
"Well, then I think you'll be glad to know I'm quite familiar with that territory as well." Bardigan twists about to show Trixie his own cutie mark - the twin masks stare at her ominously. "If you want them to know that you're on the level, and you want Twilight to know that you're her new best friend... I hope you are planning on sharing the stage. You are familiar with that, aren't you?"
Trixie pouts cutely. "But Twilight herself said she didn't *want* that," the blue mare counters with a little hoof-point. "She expects Trixie to do all the work, and if that's the case, then Trixie should get the lion's share of the spotlight." She buffs the jewel in the clasp of her cape. "There are a number of scenes that require an assistant, a partner if you like."
Bardigan clears his throat, trying to make his fidgeting look natural instead of nervous. "Oh? And... what kind of scenes might those be?" Please don't say sawing in half. *Please don't say sawing in half.*
Trixie admires her hooficure briefly. "Sawing a pony in half," she says lightly.
Bardigan coughs gently. "You... you've done that *before*, right? Without paying hospital bills?"
The blue mare gives Bardigan a LOOK that would make small plants wither. "Trixie is a *professional*," she reminds him sharply. "It's entirely painless. Trixie has never so much as scratched herself."
Bardigan shoots back a look that says Trixie might need to do quite a lot more convincing to get him on board. "Of course you didn't," he says with a little groan. "Trixie, what I'm saying is... what are you planning to *show* ponies once you get on stage? What role will Twilight play *alongside* you?"
A soft 'tch' sound escapes Trixie's lips and she cannot entirely hide the roll of her eyes. "Trixie will not be summoning any dangerous creatures or setting Twilight on fire, if that is what you are implying," she sniffs back. "There are several routines that require another body on stage. Making a pony disappear and reappear, holding props for Trixie, generally smiling and being likable. It's an easy job if you can get it."
Bardigan suddenly stands up, looking a little inspired. "But what will you do to show ponies that you and she can work hoof in hoof, in *harmony*? What will convince Ponyville and all of Equestria beyond that you are not just reformed but a *champion* of the virtues that we as ponies espouse?" He clambers up onto his side table and flares his wings. "You must show them not only that Trixie is here to entertain, but to restore *lost honor.* This is not just a show, Trixie, it is a *legacy.* A chance to show that you are not just a showmare, but a mare of *harmony.* Sharing the stage requires more than standing next to Twilight and giving ponies photo ops! It requires a show that engages *both* of your talents, working in tandem! It requires a magical display that *only* the *two* of you can pull off! Tricks that you will need Twilight... and only Twilight... to help you perform." He leans forward, dangerously close to falling off the table as he starts to invade Trixie's personal space. "It may even require another spotlight."
Trixie recoils from Bardigan so they don't touch noses, scraping her hooves on the edge of the chair to push herself backwards (unsuccessfully). Her jaw has dropped down so low that she could easily swallow a pumpkin. "W-what?!" she finally blurts, completely at a loss.
"You heard me," Bardigan whispers hoarsely (no pun intended). "You need to differentiate this show from every other you've done. You must show the ponies of Ponyville not just your magic... but the magic of your friendship. And that requires a bit more division of labor than you seem used to." He leans even closer, turning his head to one side to peer at Trixie out of one eye. "So tell me, miss Trixie. Is there any act in your show that elevates Twilight Sparkle to *your* great and powerful platform?"
Trixie's mouth works as if chewing peanut butter, but no words are immediately forthcoming. "W-well..." she begins, eyes flicking to the side in an appeal for help, but there is none. "Trixie must admit, her act is *rather* Trixie-centric... at the moment," the mare adds so as not to upset the crazy pegasus. "T-Trixie supposes she could always... do some rewrites." She hoofs thoughtfully at the base of her horn. Cooperative magic? With *Sparkle*?
Bardigan nods slowly, as if satisfied. "Yes, yes," he says, finally giving Trixie some breathing space. At least she isn't getting a noseful of colt cologne anymore. "Perhaps you *could.* And while you're at it, perhaps go and visit Twilight Sparkle before the show and, oh, I don't know... collaborate with her?"
The blue unicorn mare relaxes slightly, pulling herself out of a Trixie-shaped indentation in the padding of Bardigan's sitting room chair. "Of course!" she says with an enthusiasm she doesn't quite feel. She'd agree to almost anything at this point. Cooperation with *Sparkle* of all ponies is the price that must be paid. "You know, this will require redoing all of the posters," she objects tenuously.
Bardigan smiles, and not in the malicious 'I watch you while you sleep' way. It's a good kind of smile. "I can help with that," he says kindly. "Or, even better... perhaps you could go to *Twilight* and..." He trails off, rolling a hoof to prompt Trixie to finish the sentence.
"Ah, ah," Trixie stammers, forgetting her line. Her eyes roll and her pulse quickens. Her, a professional stage performer and she can't think of the line! It's like a nightmare! "Ask her what she thinks we should do?" she ventures hopefully.
Bardigan grins brightly and nods, as if encouraging a much younger pony with difficult homework. "That's right! I'm so glad you're as cooperative as I hoped you would be, miss Trixie. I'll be looking forward to seeing what you and Twilight think up together! I'll check in with you later to find out what you did with Twilight. Together. As a team. In harmony and friendship." Finally, he steps down from the table and sits back down, resuming the role of a completely mentally balanced stallion, picking up the teacup and giving it a dainty sip. "Very gracious of you to hear me out."
Trixie tries to pick up her teacup, but it rattles unsteadily in her hooves for a moment before she gives up. She takes a short breath and holds it. 1, 2, 3. Poise and grace. "A team," she repeats, mulling the word over to see if it tastes good in her mouth. ... It does not. Slipping off the chair, she levitates her hat from the hatrack and plops it down on her head again. "The Great and Powerful Trixie will put on the greatest show Ponyville has ever seen!" she boasts in a projected voice. Whether Twilight will cooperate or not! Trotting to the door, she pauses with it halfway open and gives her tail a jaunty flick. "Was there ever any doubt?"
Maybe just a teeny tiny bit. "None whatsoever," Bardigan says, smiling at her over the rim of the cup. "Don't be a stranger, Trixie. Please. I *do* want this to turn out well for everypony."
"And so does Twilight," he adds after a moment.
The blue unicorn's orchid-colored eyes flick back briefly to Bardigan at his little 'addition' and she studies him for a long second or two. Then wordlessly, she tilts her head back at a regal angle and shuts the door behind her, much more gently than she'd opened it. Hardly any plaster falls this time and only a few folks across Ponyville could swear they heard it.
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[Bardigan's House]
Bardigan's retreat from the world is a charming little two story cottage set near the edge of Whitetail Woods. Away from the hustle and bustle of main paths and roads while still being close enough to easily access Ponyville, this seems like a perfect artist's getaway. Built out of sturdy wood and white brick, littered with leaves and vines from the forest as its owner is simply too busy creating to worry about things like that, it manages to be a house without being too ubiquitous among the tall trees. A smoking chimney sprouts out of the side, and several windows usually have a candle or two in them.
Within the house there is a mess of knick-knacks, odd artifacts, and not very valuable treasures all over the house, almost all of which are labeled with some esoteric message hinting at a greater story. All of them, however, are placed with reverent order, being not so much cluttered as carefully packed.
This is a clean establishment, taken care of by somepony with good order and appearances in mind. Upstairs one can find Bardigan's bedroom (the most comfortable in Ponyville!), Diamond Dancer's star-filled room, a sitting area, a back door leading to the garden and a nightmarishly crowded study with books and ink-spattered papers covering every inch.
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Bardigan is waiting. When he waits, he looks remarkably relaxed, seated on a cushy chair with a pipe in his mouth. There's nothing in it, because he doesn't smoke - he just likes to have it in his mouth and chew on it when he's feeling thoughtful. He *did* give Derpy the message to deliver, and surely a pony as... visible... as Trixie should be easy to find. Some tea is steaming on a nearby kettle. Of course, it's one of Twilight's favorites.
The door to Bardigan's home is abruptly hoofed open, so hard it bangs against the other wall and knocks some loose plaster down. "The Great and Powerful Trixie!" booms a (sadly) familiar voice. Silhouetted briefly against the open doorway, a blue unicorn mare in purple cape and hat stands proudly, hoof still on the door where she threw it open. "... has received your message."
Bardigan jumps so hard the pipe drops from his mouth. He looks over his shoulder, spots Trixie, and disappears behind his chair for a moment. When he comes back out, his mane is a little more fancy, and he has one of those glamorous smiles actors usually do. "Trixie," he says, his voice quite humble compared to his appearance. "Welcome to my home Come in, please." He waves her inside and bows. "Thank you for coming. I know it was short notice."
Trixie trots in happily, levitating her hat onto a convenient hat rack and slamming the door behind her. A little more plaster falls at the second jarring impact. "Bardigan," she purrs back, clopping on up to another chair and quite delicately seats herself. The blue unicorn puts a hoof to her chest. "What can I, the Great and Powerful Trixie, do for you?" Her eyelashes flutter demurely.
Bardigan tries to ignore the groaning and creaking coming from his ceiling once Trixie is through with his door. He pours two cups of tea and brings them back on a tray, gently laying them down on a side table. "Talk," he says with a bright smile. "And we'll see where things go from there. If you are going to be Twilight Sparkle's friend, it stands to reason you will likely be mine as well." He sits down across from her, holding his cup in his hooves. "We both know *of* each other. I would like to get to *know* each other."
The unicorn's horn glows faintly and she hovers the teacup just in front of her muzzle, blowing gently on the steam. "Twilight and Trixie already *are* friends," she... exaggerates slightly. At least they don't resent each other quite as much as they used to. "But if it's Trixie you're interested in." A book poofs into existence and lays itself down gently on the table between them. The Great and Powerful Trixie: The Untold Story it proclaims itself. "Trixie's officially licensed tell-all autobiography," she advises with a smile.
Bardigan looks down at the book. He's struggling to keep the smile on his face. What's that word for what he's feeling? Ah yes: flabbergasted. "What I mean is, Trixie..." he says, deciding to ignore the book for now, "I mean I'd like to get to know *you.* Forgive me for being so forthright, but... well. Twilight is my special somepony. So I am ever so mildly... anxious about this. I would very much like this plan of yours to work out for you. And so would Twilight." He sips his tea, bright green eyes regarding Trixie over the cup rim.
Trixie balances the teacup on the flat of her hoof-bottom, regarding it like a wine-taster. "It's nothing at all to be *anxious* about. It's just a little show for the foals, some fireworks, some feel-goods before everypony goes home and gets snuggy-wuggy in their little beds for Hearth's Warming." She leans to one side in the chair, keeping the teacup precariously balanced and threatening Bardigan's upholstery. "Ponies put on concerts all the time, don't they? And... that one... the pink one... with the parties. Nopony is worried about her, now are they?"
Bardigan sighs delicately. "Yes, but... the memories of what happened, Trixie. They're still fresh in many minds. I'm not saying this because I don't trust you," he says quickly, raising his hoof. "Twilight settled the matter and we're of one mind: you deserve this chance. It's just that... I care about Twilight so much, and I so want this to go *right,* for both of you. I suppose what I am saying is that I would like to help. If you will have me, of course." He inclines his head humbly. "I am a stagepony like yourself, and I have lived here for some time, so I know the ponies. And forgive me, but I have a little more experience with what would make her happy than you, I think."
The teacup in Trixie's hoof bobbles a bit, but she restores balance quickly. "Trixie has SAID she's sorry for enslaving the town and forcing everypony to do her evil bidding!" Like, sheesh, what else do these podunk yokels want from her? Her cheeks puff out indignantly and her muzzle scrunches. With a soft 'hmmph' noise, she levitates the cup to her mouth and adds over the rim, "I'd be... happy for any help you can offer. Erecting a stage, setting up lights, carrying heavy things... whatever else it is that stageponies do."
Bardigan chuckles. "I can do all those things and more, Trixie. I probably should have asked: do you know who *I* am beyond my name and relation to Twilight?"
"Indeed," Bardigan says, setting his tea with practiced aplomb. Finally, it's *his* turn to blow his own horn! He clears his throat. "I am Bardigan, premier playwright and actor of the highest degree. If you've been to Canterlot you probably have seen the posters scattered about with my face on them. I am known in a great many social circles. I have written plays for Princesses, fell in love with two, won the hearts of both and the hoof of one. I have told stories even the ancients have forgotten, and once unleashed a curse of undead pirates. I can do much, much more than just help with assembling a stage, Trixie. I have clout and resources. Moreover, I would like to be involved if only to show my support for Twilight. I would be ever so obliged if you accepted my hoof, and let me in on the planning process."
Trixie sits patiently through the self-aggrandizement with the air of a student listening disinterestedly to a lecture. Gosh, how someponies *DO* like to talk about themselves! "Trixie is sure she may have seen... something-or-other of the sort," the blue unicorn graciously favors Bardigan. "If you're a fan of the stage, then you know that a magician NEVER reveals her secrets. So... Trixie is sorry. Closed book."
Bardigan breathes in and out through his nose. Sniiiiff, puff. "I don't think you understand, Trixie," he says, struggling not to be blunt, as in picking up a blunt object. He leans forward and peers directly at her. Eyes that were praised for getting Commander Wingscream's death glare just right are looking right at the blue unicorn. "Twilight Sparkle *wants* to be your *friend,*" he says in a low, carefully measured tone. "And she will be walking onto that stage expecting the same from you. And to be perfectly honest, I worry about you. Not your intent, but your grasp of the situation. And I am asking you to let me help you make this process as smooth as possible."
Trixie is, perhaps, not as dumb as she looks. "You're worried that I'm abusing her trust in order to promote myself. To use Twilight like a dolled up showpony for publicity's sake and not in any real attempt to mend bridges." She stretches her foreleg out languorously. "In a way, you wouldn't be wrong," she admits brazenly. "But in many ways, you wouldn't be right either."
Bardigan leans back in his chair, raising his eyebrows. It's hard to tell if he looks impressed or skeptical. "Convince me."
"I'm a performer," Trixie begins casually, cradling the teacup in both hooves before setting it down gently on the table between them. "It's my talent. It's my cutie mark. And if nopony wants to see me perform, if they run me out of town on sight, well..." She shakes her head gently and exhales. "What am I supposed to do? I need to get a hoof back in the door so ponies will throw roses instead of tomatoes." Why do they ALWAYS have tomatoes?
"Well, then I think you'll be glad to know I'm quite familiar with that territory as well." Bardigan twists about to show Trixie his own cutie mark - the twin masks stare at her ominously. "If you want them to know that you're on the level, and you want Twilight to know that you're her new best friend... I hope you are planning on sharing the stage. You are familiar with that, aren't you?"
Trixie pouts cutely. "But Twilight herself said she didn't *want* that," the blue mare counters with a little hoof-point. "She expects Trixie to do all the work, and if that's the case, then Trixie should get the lion's share of the spotlight." She buffs the jewel in the clasp of her cape. "There are a number of scenes that require an assistant, a partner if you like."
Bardigan clears his throat, trying to make his fidgeting look natural instead of nervous. "Oh? And... what kind of scenes might those be?" Please don't say sawing in half. *Please don't say sawing in half.*
Trixie admires her hooficure briefly. "Sawing a pony in half," she says lightly.
Bardigan coughs gently. "You... you've done that *before*, right? Without paying hospital bills?"
The blue mare gives Bardigan a LOOK that would make small plants wither. "Trixie is a *professional*," she reminds him sharply. "It's entirely painless. Trixie has never so much as scratched herself."
Bardigan shoots back a look that says Trixie might need to do quite a lot more convincing to get him on board. "Of course you didn't," he says with a little groan. "Trixie, what I'm saying is... what are you planning to *show* ponies once you get on stage? What role will Twilight play *alongside* you?"
A soft 'tch' sound escapes Trixie's lips and she cannot entirely hide the roll of her eyes. "Trixie will not be summoning any dangerous creatures or setting Twilight on fire, if that is what you are implying," she sniffs back. "There are several routines that require another body on stage. Making a pony disappear and reappear, holding props for Trixie, generally smiling and being likable. It's an easy job if you can get it."
Bardigan suddenly stands up, looking a little inspired. "But what will you do to show ponies that you and she can work hoof in hoof, in *harmony*? What will convince Ponyville and all of Equestria beyond that you are not just reformed but a *champion* of the virtues that we as ponies espouse?" He clambers up onto his side table and flares his wings. "You must show them not only that Trixie is here to entertain, but to restore *lost honor.* This is not just a show, Trixie, it is a *legacy.* A chance to show that you are not just a showmare, but a mare of *harmony.* Sharing the stage requires more than standing next to Twilight and giving ponies photo ops! It requires a show that engages *both* of your talents, working in tandem! It requires a magical display that *only* the *two* of you can pull off! Tricks that you will need Twilight... and only Twilight... to help you perform." He leans forward, dangerously close to falling off the table as he starts to invade Trixie's personal space. "It may even require another spotlight."
Trixie recoils from Bardigan so they don't touch noses, scraping her hooves on the edge of the chair to push herself backwards (unsuccessfully). Her jaw has dropped down so low that she could easily swallow a pumpkin. "W-what?!" she finally blurts, completely at a loss.
"You heard me," Bardigan whispers hoarsely (no pun intended). "You need to differentiate this show from every other you've done. You must show the ponies of Ponyville not just your magic... but the magic of your friendship. And that requires a bit more division of labor than you seem used to." He leans even closer, turning his head to one side to peer at Trixie out of one eye. "So tell me, miss Trixie. Is there any act in your show that elevates Twilight Sparkle to *your* great and powerful platform?"
Trixie's mouth works as if chewing peanut butter, but no words are immediately forthcoming. "W-well..." she begins, eyes flicking to the side in an appeal for help, but there is none. "Trixie must admit, her act is *rather* Trixie-centric... at the moment," the mare adds so as not to upset the crazy pegasus. "T-Trixie supposes she could always... do some rewrites." She hoofs thoughtfully at the base of her horn. Cooperative magic? With *Sparkle*?
Bardigan nods slowly, as if satisfied. "Yes, yes," he says, finally giving Trixie some breathing space. At least she isn't getting a noseful of colt cologne anymore. "Perhaps you *could.* And while you're at it, perhaps go and visit Twilight Sparkle before the show and, oh, I don't know... collaborate with her?"
The blue unicorn mare relaxes slightly, pulling herself out of a Trixie-shaped indentation in the padding of Bardigan's sitting room chair. "Of course!" she says with an enthusiasm she doesn't quite feel. She'd agree to almost anything at this point. Cooperation with *Sparkle* of all ponies is the price that must be paid. "You know, this will require redoing all of the posters," she objects tenuously.
Bardigan smiles, and not in the malicious 'I watch you while you sleep' way. It's a good kind of smile. "I can help with that," he says kindly. "Or, even better... perhaps you could go to *Twilight* and..." He trails off, rolling a hoof to prompt Trixie to finish the sentence.
"Ah, ah," Trixie stammers, forgetting her line. Her eyes roll and her pulse quickens. Her, a professional stage performer and she can't think of the line! It's like a nightmare! "Ask her what she thinks we should do?" she ventures hopefully.
Bardigan grins brightly and nods, as if encouraging a much younger pony with difficult homework. "That's right! I'm so glad you're as cooperative as I hoped you would be, miss Trixie. I'll be looking forward to seeing what you and Twilight think up together! I'll check in with you later to find out what you did with Twilight. Together. As a team. In harmony and friendship." Finally, he steps down from the table and sits back down, resuming the role of a completely mentally balanced stallion, picking up the teacup and giving it a dainty sip. "Very gracious of you to hear me out."
Trixie tries to pick up her teacup, but it rattles unsteadily in her hooves for a moment before she gives up. She takes a short breath and holds it. 1, 2, 3. Poise and grace. "A team," she repeats, mulling the word over to see if it tastes good in her mouth. ... It does not. Slipping off the chair, she levitates her hat from the hatrack and plops it down on her head again. "The Great and Powerful Trixie will put on the greatest show Ponyville has ever seen!" she boasts in a projected voice. Whether Twilight will cooperate or not! Trotting to the door, she pauses with it halfway open and gives her tail a jaunty flick. "Was there ever any doubt?"
Maybe just a teeny tiny bit. "None whatsoever," Bardigan says, smiling at her over the rim of the cup. "Don't be a stranger, Trixie. Please. I *do* want this to turn out well for everypony."
"And so does Twilight," he adds after a moment.
The blue unicorn's orchid-colored eyes flick back briefly to Bardigan at his little 'addition' and she studies him for a long second or two. Then wordlessly, she tilts her head back at a regal angle and shuts the door behind her, much more gently than she'd opened it. Hardly any plaster falls this time and only a few folks across Ponyville could swear they heard it.