Post by Trixie on Dec 17, 2013 6:09:13 GMT -5
In which Trixie is forced to swallow her pride and ask Twilight Sparkle for help. Spike and Twilight are actually receptive to the idea, and a new partnership is born.
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Ponyville Library
& % $ & % $ . . . PONYVILLE LIBRARY . . . $ % & $ % &
Impressive and mind-boggling on the outside, chaotic and overflowing on the inside, this is the Ponyville Library. It's not hard to see why townfolks occasionally call it "Books and Branches"--the structure is built entirely out of a broad-trunked, hardwood tree! Though most of its innards have been hollowed out, this tree is clearly somehow still alive, as thick green foliage covers the roof and rims the upper windows.
The lower level has a central room with a circulation desk, an equine bust on a pedestal, and books on every wall--it's not uncommon to see them heaped haphazardly in a pile. There's a kitchen and a pantry used by residents of the library--currently Twilight Sparkle, the princess's star pupil, and her dragon assistant, Spike.
The upper levels are dizzyingly irregular, built as they are along branches of the tree. Two overhangs are furnished with moss canopies. The upper levels are also packed with books that appear constantly about to pop out of place. They seem to be organized somehow, but it may be a good idea to ask the librarian if you need something in particular.
Finally, the top levels of the tree feature a bathroom and bedroom for permanent residents, along with an observation balcony on which sits a trusty telescope. The overall mood of the library is intellectually inspiring, venerable, and just a little insane.
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A shadow looms outside the window to the Ponyville library, peering in and then disappearing again only to reappear at a different window a few moments later. With an ominous sound of heavy hooves on the doorstep... somepony knocks. Once, twice, three times with a great and powerful determination. "Trixie knows you are in there, Sparkle. She has something of the utmost importance that she must discuss with you."
Spike glances over at Twilight. "I think I'd better just let her in. We can't pretend to not be home forever.
Twilight_Sparkle rolls her eyes a little. "Trixie always has to make an entrance, doesn't she? Yeah, by all means, let her in and let's find out what's going on this time."
Standing regally on the front doorstep, the Great and Powerful Trixie... seems to have left her cape and hat at home for once. She even waits patiently for Spike to open the door and step out of the way before trotting inside. "It is a travesty, Sparkle. A horror beyond all that which Trixie has known in her days. But needs must, and so we shall," she espouses vaguely with a dramatic lifted hoof. "Trixie does not like it, but there you have it."
Spike eyes Trixie skeptically. He hangs around Rarity -- he knows hyperbole when he hears it. "What's happened that's so terrible? Did someone get mud on your cape?"
Twilight_Sparkle doesn't look overly concerned either. "If it's something tea or books would fix, we've got lots of those things here." She looks at Spike. "Spike, would you get the tea tray?"
"Worse!" Trixie woes aloud! "I'm not sure the solution can be found in any book. Bardigan has... *extracted* a promise from Trixie under duress. But she is a unicorn of her word and will suffer the consequences." Trixie proudly puts a hoof to her chest before announcing, "Twilight Sparkle... Trixie would like you to be her... partner... on stage."
Spike mutters, "Duress? His or yours?" But he gets on with the business of making a fresh pot of tea and fetching the tea tray. When he brings it in, he's wearing his favorite apron, the one with the big heart on it.
Twilight_Sparkle blinks. "Trixie, you've never had a partner before." Pause. "And you hate me, or you did until recently. Why would you want to partner with me in *anything*?"
Trixie sits back on her haunches and folds her forehooves across her chest. She looks pouty. "Trixie is.. not entirely sure how she agreed to it, but it seemed like a good idea at the time. Bardigan explained it to her." Her orchid-colored eyes drift from Spike and reluctantly rest on Twilight. "We should... cooperate."
Spike pours tea for the ponies, and himself. "That doesn't sound so bad. And if people see you and Twilight getting along, they'll probably like you more." He sips his tea. "What're you going to cooperate on? A magic act?"
Twilight_Sparkle sips her tea, and studies Trixie, over the top of it. "But why?" she asks again. "And, why now?"
"A great and powerful magic act. The best!" The blue unicorn levitates her teacup and blows gently on it a few times. "Trixie needs a place to spend the winter, at least. Ponyville is as good a town as any, but if the ponies here insist on throwing tomatoes when they see her..." She trails off and glances away. "Everypony likes you, Twilight. If they see you with Trixie, getting along... maybe they'll give her a break."
Twilight_Sparkle contemplates this. "I...guess it's true that my star's kind of been on the rise recently. And I believe in second chances..." She looks at Spike. "Spike, what do you think?"
Spike shrugs. "Why not? I mean, you don't have anything to prove, and it'll make you look like a good sport. Besides, Bardigan thinks it's a good idea, and no one knows stagecraft like him."
For once, Trixie not only notices the little dragon but actually smiles at him. At least one person is on her side. The Great and Powerful Trixie purses her lips and thinks for a long moment. "Trixie had planned on doing a simple show, but Bardigan *insists* it be something special. So... Trixie must ask..." It takes a great deal of effort and apparently some pain to bring forth the words, "W-what do you think we should do, Twilight? Trixie... needs your input. She can't do this alone."
Twilight_Sparkle smiles wider, at that. She does like getting to make decisions about things. "It seems to me we could do a show that's simple, but also something special! I mean, some of the best and most memorable illusions are some of the simplest, after all."
Spike looks thoughtful, tapping a claw against his snout. "Could you create the illusion that Trixie had wings? That would be kind of cool."
Putting a hoof to her heart again, Trixie lifts her head imperiously and keeps her eyes closed as she talks. "Trixie has a great many routines already planned, but it occurs to her that the show lacks... personality. Something that not only screams 'Trixie' but 'Twilight' as well." She occupies herself briefly with her teacup. "And that is where Trixie needs your help. She is not used to sharing the stage."
Twilight_Sparkle rube her hoof against her chin, thoughtfully. "Well, you know, Trixie, I'm really not a performer! I'm still learning how to stand next to Celestia and Luna and not look completely awkward. I'm proud of my ability to do magic! But...you're the showpony. I'll need you to help me a lot with that part of it, if we're really going to do this."
Spike grins. "Well, the first thing you're gonna need is an outfit. Maybe Rarity could make you something fabulous to wear on stage. Something like Trixie's hat and cape, but...Twilight-y."
The blue unicorn's eyes flick away from Twilight. "Well," she begins with a little exhale. There must be the hugest lump in her throat because she takes several long and deep gulps from her tea before continuing. "And... I know all too well that your magic is..." Trixie trails off into a mumble that might be the word 'impressive'. "It's just a matter of finding what will please a crowd. Something that you can do that... Trixie can't."
Twilight_Sparkle grins at Spike. "Rarity pretty much asks me every day if I need clothes. I should let her design me a dress for this! Having a princess wearing her work always bumps her sales up." She turns to Trixie, and smiles at the almost-completed compliment. "I've learned some pretty unique spells! I'm in Canterlot a lot more now, and I've been making full use of the library, particularly the Rare Spells section! What do you think? Something...flashy, like singing fireworks?"
Spike's eyes light up at the word 'fire.' "Ooh. That sounds pretty cool."
Trixie lifts a hoof. "Actually, *matching* costumes are the norm for partners on stage." Who is she to turn down the offer of a free outfit, even if she has to make the offer herself? "Trixie has a lot of the regular bases covered. She plans on a Moving Pictures fireworks spell, as well as more physical magic like sawing a pony in half." Here, she cannot completely hide the glee that wells up from within at the thought of sawing Twilight Sparkle in half and getting away with it.
Twilight_Sparkle claps her hooves together. "I like that trick! Saw it performed on the Canterlot Mane Stage when I was a little filly. Always wanted to perform it myself!" She giggles a little. "I'd always pictured myself as the saw-ER, not the saw-EE, but...I'm flexible!"
Spike smiles proudly, "I know how *that* one works! Hey, maybe I can help if you need an assistant or something."
The Great and Powerful Trixie must be in a REALLY good mood, becaus she smiles down at Spike and nods. "There are always things that need a good assistant. Fetching props, making sure the curtain is drawn. It's not glamorous, but they're all things that need to be done behind the scenes or the show can't go on."
Twilight_Sparkle smiles, also looking at Spike. "That's what Spike is to me around here, too. People don't realize how important Spike is to my work, but he has been since I was little."
Spike smiles proudly, straightening up a couple of inches.
Setting down her teacup gently with a faint glow from her horn, Trixie gives her head a little toss and her mane bounces photogenically. "If you find anything in your books about cooperative magic, do let Trixie know. There may not be much time left to practice, but I'll try." She really does want this to succeed, no matter what sacrifices have to be made.
Twilight_Sparkle nods! "We have a whole shelf of books that should be useful." The telekinetically whisks one off the shelf, and shows it to Trixie. "'Cooperative Magic,' by Abracadabra. And that's just the first one alphabetically."
Spike says "Twilight didn't like my idea of arranging them by color."
Studying. It makes Trixie's eyelid twitch slightly. Oh, the slings and arrows she must suffer in the name of 'friendship'. She tries to smile but it comes off as more than a little forced. "Oh. Books. Wonderful," she deadpans but hopes nobody else will notice. With a brief roll of her eyes, she grips the book with her magic and floats it over to her. "We should have a fairly simple job. The stage is being taken care of, as well as music. So that just leaves... everything else?"
Twilight_Sparkle says "That just leaves...THE MAGIC!"
Twilight_Sparkle flails her hoof, in an attempt to be dramatic. It is REALLY not her strong suit.
Spike says "Yeah, you don't want anything *too* fancy. The focus should be on the magic you're doing, and the fact you're doing it together."
Trixie folds her hooves across her chest and gives her head a haughty upwards tilt. "D-don't expect any song and dance duets. Trixie is still doing this so that she can go back to being a performer instead of a laughingstock. Anything else is a side-benefit." Her eyebrows knit at Twilight. Her mouth opens but no words come out, then she closes it again and looks back to Spike. Is she always this goofy?
Twilight_Sparkle glances at Spike, sighs a little, and faces Trixie again. "I'm only going to say this once, and I'll deny I ever said it, and my only witness is Spike who I can probably trust to keep quiet...but you're the most talented magician I know who isn't named Celestia or Luna."
Spike adds, "Or yourself." He always feels the need to override Twilight's excessive modesty. "But it's true. Trixie's definitely the most talented unicorn magician, these days." He emphasizes the word 'unicorn' just a little, but enough to press home Twilight's new status.
Twilight_Sparkle acknowledges this by spreading her wings, just for a moment, and giving her dragon friend a smile.
The cornflower blue unicorn pauses, looking shocked, or surprised, or dumbfounded. Did Twilight Sparkle of all ponies just call her... talented? Not just that, but the MOST talented unicorn! Which she would naturally be, since Sparkle is no longer among the ranks of the unicorns. Trixie has moved up a step without having to do ANYTHING! "Well, I always said I was the greatest and most powerful *unicorn*," Trixie admits as if the compliment were only as much as she deserved.
The conversing ponies are interrupted by the door opening and in trotting a beige pony wearing a sunhat and what looks like a utility belt. Either way, she doesn't look like she's dressed for a library. "Twilight! Oh. Sorry!" Compass Gift stops when she sees Trixie. "Terribly sorry for just barging in like that, it's just that I'm looking for miss A. K. Yearling... Have you seen her?"
Trixie levitates the book 'Cooperative Magic' and stands up. "That's alright. Trixie was just leaving. She has some homework to do." Her heart is all aflutter with the praise, something she hasn't had in quite a while. And it feels GOOD. She flicks her tail and raises her head imperiously. "Trixie will be back tomorrow, Sparkle, and she expects to hear about some progress." The blue unicorn trots to the door, floating the book behind her. She pauses, mumbles something that may be 'thank you', and sees herself out.
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Ponyville Library
& % $ & % $ . . . PONYVILLE LIBRARY . . . $ % & $ % &
Impressive and mind-boggling on the outside, chaotic and overflowing on the inside, this is the Ponyville Library. It's not hard to see why townfolks occasionally call it "Books and Branches"--the structure is built entirely out of a broad-trunked, hardwood tree! Though most of its innards have been hollowed out, this tree is clearly somehow still alive, as thick green foliage covers the roof and rims the upper windows.
The lower level has a central room with a circulation desk, an equine bust on a pedestal, and books on every wall--it's not uncommon to see them heaped haphazardly in a pile. There's a kitchen and a pantry used by residents of the library--currently Twilight Sparkle, the princess's star pupil, and her dragon assistant, Spike.
The upper levels are dizzyingly irregular, built as they are along branches of the tree. Two overhangs are furnished with moss canopies. The upper levels are also packed with books that appear constantly about to pop out of place. They seem to be organized somehow, but it may be a good idea to ask the librarian if you need something in particular.
Finally, the top levels of the tree feature a bathroom and bedroom for permanent residents, along with an observation balcony on which sits a trusty telescope. The overall mood of the library is intellectually inspiring, venerable, and just a little insane.
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A shadow looms outside the window to the Ponyville library, peering in and then disappearing again only to reappear at a different window a few moments later. With an ominous sound of heavy hooves on the doorstep... somepony knocks. Once, twice, three times with a great and powerful determination. "Trixie knows you are in there, Sparkle. She has something of the utmost importance that she must discuss with you."
Spike glances over at Twilight. "I think I'd better just let her in. We can't pretend to not be home forever.
Twilight_Sparkle rolls her eyes a little. "Trixie always has to make an entrance, doesn't she? Yeah, by all means, let her in and let's find out what's going on this time."
Standing regally on the front doorstep, the Great and Powerful Trixie... seems to have left her cape and hat at home for once. She even waits patiently for Spike to open the door and step out of the way before trotting inside. "It is a travesty, Sparkle. A horror beyond all that which Trixie has known in her days. But needs must, and so we shall," she espouses vaguely with a dramatic lifted hoof. "Trixie does not like it, but there you have it."
Spike eyes Trixie skeptically. He hangs around Rarity -- he knows hyperbole when he hears it. "What's happened that's so terrible? Did someone get mud on your cape?"
Twilight_Sparkle doesn't look overly concerned either. "If it's something tea or books would fix, we've got lots of those things here." She looks at Spike. "Spike, would you get the tea tray?"
"Worse!" Trixie woes aloud! "I'm not sure the solution can be found in any book. Bardigan has... *extracted* a promise from Trixie under duress. But she is a unicorn of her word and will suffer the consequences." Trixie proudly puts a hoof to her chest before announcing, "Twilight Sparkle... Trixie would like you to be her... partner... on stage."
Spike mutters, "Duress? His or yours?" But he gets on with the business of making a fresh pot of tea and fetching the tea tray. When he brings it in, he's wearing his favorite apron, the one with the big heart on it.
Twilight_Sparkle blinks. "Trixie, you've never had a partner before." Pause. "And you hate me, or you did until recently. Why would you want to partner with me in *anything*?"
Trixie sits back on her haunches and folds her forehooves across her chest. She looks pouty. "Trixie is.. not entirely sure how she agreed to it, but it seemed like a good idea at the time. Bardigan explained it to her." Her orchid-colored eyes drift from Spike and reluctantly rest on Twilight. "We should... cooperate."
Spike pours tea for the ponies, and himself. "That doesn't sound so bad. And if people see you and Twilight getting along, they'll probably like you more." He sips his tea. "What're you going to cooperate on? A magic act?"
Twilight_Sparkle sips her tea, and studies Trixie, over the top of it. "But why?" she asks again. "And, why now?"
"A great and powerful magic act. The best!" The blue unicorn levitates her teacup and blows gently on it a few times. "Trixie needs a place to spend the winter, at least. Ponyville is as good a town as any, but if the ponies here insist on throwing tomatoes when they see her..." She trails off and glances away. "Everypony likes you, Twilight. If they see you with Trixie, getting along... maybe they'll give her a break."
Twilight_Sparkle contemplates this. "I...guess it's true that my star's kind of been on the rise recently. And I believe in second chances..." She looks at Spike. "Spike, what do you think?"
Spike shrugs. "Why not? I mean, you don't have anything to prove, and it'll make you look like a good sport. Besides, Bardigan thinks it's a good idea, and no one knows stagecraft like him."
For once, Trixie not only notices the little dragon but actually smiles at him. At least one person is on her side. The Great and Powerful Trixie purses her lips and thinks for a long moment. "Trixie had planned on doing a simple show, but Bardigan *insists* it be something special. So... Trixie must ask..." It takes a great deal of effort and apparently some pain to bring forth the words, "W-what do you think we should do, Twilight? Trixie... needs your input. She can't do this alone."
Twilight_Sparkle smiles wider, at that. She does like getting to make decisions about things. "It seems to me we could do a show that's simple, but also something special! I mean, some of the best and most memorable illusions are some of the simplest, after all."
Spike looks thoughtful, tapping a claw against his snout. "Could you create the illusion that Trixie had wings? That would be kind of cool."
Putting a hoof to her heart again, Trixie lifts her head imperiously and keeps her eyes closed as she talks. "Trixie has a great many routines already planned, but it occurs to her that the show lacks... personality. Something that not only screams 'Trixie' but 'Twilight' as well." She occupies herself briefly with her teacup. "And that is where Trixie needs your help. She is not used to sharing the stage."
Twilight_Sparkle rube her hoof against her chin, thoughtfully. "Well, you know, Trixie, I'm really not a performer! I'm still learning how to stand next to Celestia and Luna and not look completely awkward. I'm proud of my ability to do magic! But...you're the showpony. I'll need you to help me a lot with that part of it, if we're really going to do this."
Spike grins. "Well, the first thing you're gonna need is an outfit. Maybe Rarity could make you something fabulous to wear on stage. Something like Trixie's hat and cape, but...Twilight-y."
The blue unicorn's eyes flick away from Twilight. "Well," she begins with a little exhale. There must be the hugest lump in her throat because she takes several long and deep gulps from her tea before continuing. "And... I know all too well that your magic is..." Trixie trails off into a mumble that might be the word 'impressive'. "It's just a matter of finding what will please a crowd. Something that you can do that... Trixie can't."
Twilight_Sparkle grins at Spike. "Rarity pretty much asks me every day if I need clothes. I should let her design me a dress for this! Having a princess wearing her work always bumps her sales up." She turns to Trixie, and smiles at the almost-completed compliment. "I've learned some pretty unique spells! I'm in Canterlot a lot more now, and I've been making full use of the library, particularly the Rare Spells section! What do you think? Something...flashy, like singing fireworks?"
Spike's eyes light up at the word 'fire.' "Ooh. That sounds pretty cool."
Trixie lifts a hoof. "Actually, *matching* costumes are the norm for partners on stage." Who is she to turn down the offer of a free outfit, even if she has to make the offer herself? "Trixie has a lot of the regular bases covered. She plans on a Moving Pictures fireworks spell, as well as more physical magic like sawing a pony in half." Here, she cannot completely hide the glee that wells up from within at the thought of sawing Twilight Sparkle in half and getting away with it.
Twilight_Sparkle claps her hooves together. "I like that trick! Saw it performed on the Canterlot Mane Stage when I was a little filly. Always wanted to perform it myself!" She giggles a little. "I'd always pictured myself as the saw-ER, not the saw-EE, but...I'm flexible!"
Spike smiles proudly, "I know how *that* one works! Hey, maybe I can help if you need an assistant or something."
The Great and Powerful Trixie must be in a REALLY good mood, becaus she smiles down at Spike and nods. "There are always things that need a good assistant. Fetching props, making sure the curtain is drawn. It's not glamorous, but they're all things that need to be done behind the scenes or the show can't go on."
Twilight_Sparkle smiles, also looking at Spike. "That's what Spike is to me around here, too. People don't realize how important Spike is to my work, but he has been since I was little."
Spike smiles proudly, straightening up a couple of inches.
Setting down her teacup gently with a faint glow from her horn, Trixie gives her head a little toss and her mane bounces photogenically. "If you find anything in your books about cooperative magic, do let Trixie know. There may not be much time left to practice, but I'll try." She really does want this to succeed, no matter what sacrifices have to be made.
Twilight_Sparkle nods! "We have a whole shelf of books that should be useful." The telekinetically whisks one off the shelf, and shows it to Trixie. "'Cooperative Magic,' by Abracadabra. And that's just the first one alphabetically."
Spike says "Twilight didn't like my idea of arranging them by color."
Studying. It makes Trixie's eyelid twitch slightly. Oh, the slings and arrows she must suffer in the name of 'friendship'. She tries to smile but it comes off as more than a little forced. "Oh. Books. Wonderful," she deadpans but hopes nobody else will notice. With a brief roll of her eyes, she grips the book with her magic and floats it over to her. "We should have a fairly simple job. The stage is being taken care of, as well as music. So that just leaves... everything else?"
Twilight_Sparkle says "That just leaves...THE MAGIC!"
Twilight_Sparkle flails her hoof, in an attempt to be dramatic. It is REALLY not her strong suit.
Spike says "Yeah, you don't want anything *too* fancy. The focus should be on the magic you're doing, and the fact you're doing it together."
Trixie folds her hooves across her chest and gives her head a haughty upwards tilt. "D-don't expect any song and dance duets. Trixie is still doing this so that she can go back to being a performer instead of a laughingstock. Anything else is a side-benefit." Her eyebrows knit at Twilight. Her mouth opens but no words come out, then she closes it again and looks back to Spike. Is she always this goofy?
Twilight_Sparkle glances at Spike, sighs a little, and faces Trixie again. "I'm only going to say this once, and I'll deny I ever said it, and my only witness is Spike who I can probably trust to keep quiet...but you're the most talented magician I know who isn't named Celestia or Luna."
Spike adds, "Or yourself." He always feels the need to override Twilight's excessive modesty. "But it's true. Trixie's definitely the most talented unicorn magician, these days." He emphasizes the word 'unicorn' just a little, but enough to press home Twilight's new status.
Twilight_Sparkle acknowledges this by spreading her wings, just for a moment, and giving her dragon friend a smile.
The cornflower blue unicorn pauses, looking shocked, or surprised, or dumbfounded. Did Twilight Sparkle of all ponies just call her... talented? Not just that, but the MOST talented unicorn! Which she would naturally be, since Sparkle is no longer among the ranks of the unicorns. Trixie has moved up a step without having to do ANYTHING! "Well, I always said I was the greatest and most powerful *unicorn*," Trixie admits as if the compliment were only as much as she deserved.
The conversing ponies are interrupted by the door opening and in trotting a beige pony wearing a sunhat and what looks like a utility belt. Either way, she doesn't look like she's dressed for a library. "Twilight! Oh. Sorry!" Compass Gift stops when she sees Trixie. "Terribly sorry for just barging in like that, it's just that I'm looking for miss A. K. Yearling... Have you seen her?"
Trixie levitates the book 'Cooperative Magic' and stands up. "That's alright. Trixie was just leaving. She has some homework to do." Her heart is all aflutter with the praise, something she hasn't had in quite a while. And it feels GOOD. She flicks her tail and raises her head imperiously. "Trixie will be back tomorrow, Sparkle, and she expects to hear about some progress." The blue unicorn trots to the door, floating the book behind her. She pauses, mumbles something that may be 'thank you', and sees herself out.