Trixie came to, in a small antechamber off Luna's private dining room. They would have been in Celestia's, but there had been an accident earlier that day with a pot of tea and a fairly large cake and it was still being cleaned. Twilight had ribbed her mentor about using a tea pot for a spoon. Celestia had returned with a crack about donuts, and Luna had been forced to excuse herself. The fact that she could still be heard laughing for several minutes hadn't really helped anything. Trixie, having been unconscious for all of this was unaware of such events. “Oh no, oh no.” were the first words she spoke.

“Oh, it was a dream.” she took stock of the room she was in. It was not her room, which worried her. It was also not a dungeon, which lessened her worry. She could hear Twilight in the other room, which deepened it.

“Unfortunately, no, it was not a dream.” Luna said. Trixie fought the urge to faint again. "Though it was not dissimilar to certain nightmares you have suffered before.”

“You know about Trix... my dreams?” A small voice screamed at her about 'stage presence', but she ignored it. That was what had gotten her into trouble to begin with.

“I am protector of the dreams of all ponies, not just those who feel themselves worthy.” a chess piece clicked.

“Is she still on about that? I thought I had her cured.” Robert said. A wing moved and another piece clicked.

“Yes, she seems to believe herself a bad pony.” Luna said.

“I'm right here.” Trixie said indignantly.

“I know you are.” Robert answered. "I'm also glad to see you're in better shape than when last I met you.” Trixie flushed.

“I... I got some more work after you left. It wasn't as good, but it was better, and I rebuilt my reputation somewhat.” Trixie said. She focused on Robert. "I never got to thank you properly for helping me.”

“Bah.” Robert said. Then he grinned at the board. He moved a piece. Luna countered. Trixie then was treated to a game of high-speed chess.

“Checkmate.” Luna said after a few minutes. Robert stared at the board.

“Agreed.” he said after a moment of study. "I guess I should have expected Ol' Blue's suicide gambit.”

“No pony expects Ol' Blue's Suicide Gambit. Luna replied with a smirk. "Especially not when playing against Ol' Blue.”

“Wait, you're Ol' Blue?” Trixie asked.

“That was the name I used when I entered Tournaments back then.” Luna replied.

“But Ol' Blue was a stallion.” Trixie said.

“I'm a wizard Trixie.” Luna said, smiling brightly. Robert coughed.

“Pr... Luna, being with you is a religious experience for me. But not necessarily in a good way.” Luna laughed out loud.

Trixie's eyes bulged, between the sheer impertinence of the comment, and the fact that Luna was laughing at it. Yes, in private she admitted that she believed in Celestia when she said her sister had been cured by the elements, she was not entirely without doubts. Then again, she was not locked away in a dungeon. Plus the princess and perhaps the best friend Trixie had ever had, had been sitting in her room playing chess while waiting for her to wake, spoke to a fairly normal, if incredibly powerful mare. The fact that he had ribbed her like that, and she had not responded by turning him into a pumpkin. Though Trixie thought it wouldn't take too much juice. Still, this was unexpected.

“I don't understand.” she didn't. Luna paused for a moment, then laughed harder still. Robert shook his head.

“I'll explain it another time.” he said with a smile. "Now that you're awake, we should go out and see if there's anything left for us.” Trixie blanched. "Relax. It can't have been that bad.”

Trixie took a deep breath. And then she explained. At the end, neither of them said anything for several moments. Robert spoke first. “Cool.” Trixie's mouth dropped open.

Luna leaned in, far closer than was comfortable, and spoke. “I destroyed half of Equestria out of jealousy. You were playing kiddie games.” she leaned back. “I know my sister will understand, and I believe even Twilight has gotten over it.”

“I,” Trixie shook her head. "I don't think this is a very good idea.” she decidedly did NOT want to go into the other room. Never mind the fact that there was only one door. She was perfectly okay with the window. Spider-horse? Ever hear of him? She could put him to shame. She knew the perfect spell for the task. She'd even fix the hoof prints it left.

“Or I could just fly you down.” Robert said. Trixie squeaked.

“I don't think she realized she was talking out loud. I used to have that problem.” Luna said.

“I think you still might.” Robert said gently. Luna squeaked, in almost perfect imitation of Trixie. “Come on Trixie, it'll be fine.”

“Trixie does not believe you any more than she believed the last stallion. Or perhaps I should say Gelding.” she smiled an icy smile. Robert smiled back, showing all his teeth. Trixie quailed first. Robert chuckled and stretched a wing.

“Here, I'll protect you from the big mean alicorn. And her big white teacher.” Luna laughed again.

“I HEARD THAT!” Twilight's voice was impossible to miss coming through the door. Trixie steeled herself. She shooed away the big orange wing and opened the door. "Hello Trixie.”

“Hello Twilight.” she turned to Celestia. "Princess.” she bowed. Celestia took a breath.

“Rise, my little pony. You are eating with me, you need not bow.” she said very gently. Trixie stood, but couldn't help being in awe. "Relax, Twilight told me everything.” Trixie's eyes rolled into her head and she started to fall sideways. Luna caught her before she hit the table.

“I'm not replacing another set of tea cups.” the dark blue alicorn said resolutely. "It was hard enough to find a matched set.” the application of a sweet roll brought Trixie around. She sat down between Robert and Luna, putting one of them between her and either of the other alicorns.

“Sorry about that.” she said, indicating the floor where she'd almost fallen. "I keep feeling like I have stage fright again.” Old memories tried to surface, but she beat them down. The Great and Powerful Trixie did not GET stage fright. A tiny voice tried to remind her she wasn't that pony any more, but the same beating made it go away.

“Yeah, she's the one who had stage fright. I was the one who had to pretend to be 'The Savage Wild Tiger!” Robert flared his wings and nearly hit a lamp. He coughed and carefully retracted them. "I still don't get how you deal with these silly things.” The alicorns, including Twilight laughed.

“Hey, I did a perfect job of calming your stage fright.” Trixie said indignantly. “And just how did you end up with those anyway?”

“He blew himself up.” Twilight said.

“Yes, and your 'method'? Pushing me out on stage and telling me to quit my whining.” Robert retorted with a smile. "I notice that you drank half a bottle of Sweet Apple Acres cider before the first performance every night.”

“It was a necessary fortification for the effort of producing magical special effects where my astoundingly amazing routine fell short due to the inadequacies of my partner.” Trixie said.

“Yes, and I'm certain your horn nervously spouting roses every five minutes had nothing to do with it.”

“Trixie was hungry.” she defended. "Besides, she doesn't recall you complaining about her cooking.”

“True, you can cook pretty well. Better than Twilight at any rate.”

“Yeah... hey!” Twilight bristled. "What do you mean by that?”

“Twilight? You once burned water.” Celestia reminded her gently.

“It was on fire when I got there.” Twilight said. Luna sat in a corner, eating a sandwich and popcorn, which Pinkie had brought. No one, not even Trixie was surprised by Pinkie's presence. Truthfully, none of them had noticed.

“Yes, but so was the rest of the kitchen.” Celestia chuckled.

“Ha!” Trixie said. She bit into a cucumber. She didn't even bother to peel it.

“River.” Robert only said it once, and under his breath. The Cucumber exploded.

“We agreed not to mention that again.” Trixie said through gritted teeth.

“I wasn't talking about that. I meant River Stones.” Trixie's face warmed. "I mean, I don't know what you saw in him, but he was a nice, big, strong stallion. I guess those curves weren't too bad. And that great big...” Trixie burst into flame. "Horn.” Steam hissed out of her ears.

“Luna, stop that.” Celestia chided. The steam faded, and Luna laughed. So did Trixie after a moment. And Twilight, once she forced her wings back down. Robert shook his head.

“Ooh, fish.” he looked at the others. "For me?” nods. "Thank you. And thank your chef.”

“You're welcome, and I shall.” Luna said. Twilight raised an eyebrow. "My Negasi are not pure ponies. They also eat meat, and when I learned Robert was coming, I had some prepared for him.”

“It is delicious.” Robert said. He made a sandwich out of it with a couple of cookies.

“Really?” Twilight asked. She was a little green around the everything.

“What, sweet and meaty. What's not to love?” he said and ate the entire thing. Trixie coughed. Twilight looked even greener. Luna chuckled and snatched a piece for herself. Celestia stared off into the distance.

“Something wrong?” Luna asked her sister.

“Hmm...? Oh, no. Just thinking.” Celestia said. "Now I'm thinking it's time for cake.”

“Mm... Cake.” Robert said. Celestia laughed.

---

Twilight stood on the lawn of the Palace, with Robert and Trixie. “Don't forget, two days, and then it's time for Rainbow's Party. If you're not there, Pinkie will come after you.”

“I fear not the ravages of time, nor the wrath of gods, but I will not chance the rage of Pinkie Pie.” Robert said. Twilight shook her head.

“Trust me, it's no laughing matter.”

“FOREVER!” the voice echoed with no discernible source. Twilight shuddered.

“Go home.” Robert shooed her off. "I'll be there on time, I promise.” Twilight nodded, gave him one last hairy eyeball and disappeared in a flash of purple light.

“Does she have to rub that in?” Trixie asked.

“I don't think she does it on purpose. Robert said. "So, can I bunk with you while I'm in town?” he leaned close and batted his eye lashes. Independently.

“Yes, but only if you stop that.” she said, leaning away. He chuckled.

“Thank you, oh Generous and Charitable Trixie.” Robert said. She rolled her eyes.

“You're incorrigible.” she said, and lead the way back to her apartment. It was, exactly as he'd expected, above a theater. "Yes, I do live over a theater. No I do not want to hear the jokes.”

“I had no jokes prepared. Give me a little credit. And time.” he chuckled. "There's just so many and so little time to decide which one.”

“Keep them to yourself, or you'll have to find somewhere else to stay.” she said.

“As you say oh mighty one.” he bowed, spreading his wings as much as the stairs allowed.

“And cut that out.” she said.

“Bad memories again?” he asked. She'd had nightmares while he was with her. They'd faded near the end of his stay.

“Yes, and I'd like you not to drag them up if you don't mind.” she said, taking a deep, deep breath.

“Sorry.” he apologized. "I didn't realize.”

“It's okay. I need to have a thick skin.” Trixie took a breath.

“Have you made any other friends?” he asked.

“Trixie has many... close acquaintances.” she said, carefully.

“Those are not the same and Trixie knows it.” Robert replied.

“I am not good at this friend making thing.” she snorted. “And don't you dare suggest what you're thinking.”

“What was I thinking?” he asked, eyes twinkling.

“Asking Sparkle to give me... lessons.” she shivered at the thought.

“I was thinking of her friends.” he shrugged.

“NO.” she spun around on him. "I will not willing subject myself to the pink one again. Even removing her mouth did not stop her!”

“I am fairly certain nothing but the end of the world could even slow her down.” he replied.

“Nope-a-rino.” sounded a voice from nowhere. Trixie's eyes darted everywhere, seeking the source of the sound. Robert shook his head.

“Don't worry about that. That's not the one I was thinking of either.” he said. Trixie stared at him.

“Fine, name one friend of hers that I do not dislike. Or that does not dislike me.” she paused. "Fluttershy doesn't count.”

“Me.” Robert said.

“Yeah, but...”

“But nothing. I was your friend first. I know what you did, and why you did it. I am also her friend.” he looked her in the eyes. "I believe the others would forgive you.”

“Yes. They probably would. However, I promised her I would not return to Ponyville.” Trixie said.

“And Trixie does not break promises.” he replied. "It is one of your most pointlessly admirable qualities.”

“Hey.: she glared at him.

“It's not bad, but you sometimes run off at the mouth before you think. he added. And don't leave a way to release yourself from a promise.”

“I was humiliated once and defeated once.” she answered. "Both times there. I wanted to stay away from that place. And I didn't think I'd ever need to go back. Or want to.”

“Now you do, only you promised not to go back.” he said. He crossed the small room, and stood beside her. "So you must convince Twilight to release you from your promise.”

“I don't want to go back there.” she said stubbornly.

“I disagree, but it is always best to have the option open, is it not?” he said. She nodded subconsciously. "However, that is for the future. For now, tell me all about this Lovely Theatre you live above.”

“Well, first of all, lovely isn't the word I'd use.” the theater was pretty dank and run down. It wasn't exactly well lit either. Robert coughed and dust swept in front of him. "Dusty I think is where I'd go.” he nodded in agreement.

“So, who runs the place?” he asked.

“I do.” The voice came from a big green coated unicorn, wearing a top hat the same color as his black mane and tail. "Name's Ghost Light.” he came in, cutie mark of a single glowing lamp bulb on his flank.

“Fitting.” Robert noted. "What do you put on?”

“Plays.” the unicorn replied. Trixie rolled her eyes, and wandered towards the stage. "Occasionally other things.” Robert didn't ask. It wasn't his business. "See many good plays?”

“A few.” Robert answered. "So.”

“So what?”

“Why do you let Trixie live upstairs?” Robert asked.

“Because she's an employee. Plus, having her upstairs discourages break-ins downstairs. Her talents for stage magic are invaluable.” Ghost Light said. "I had three other unicorns working together to produce the kind of effects she does without breaking a sweat.”

“I knew she was pretty talented.” Robert said with a smile.

“Well, I'm still hoping we get enough money to save this place.” the unicorn sighed, and looked around. As you can tell, it's not in the best shape.

“I was noticing a slightly run down look. I was thinking that was part of the decor.” Robert smiled. "Have you applied for a grant? I know the Princesses love plays since much of it is basically interactive history.”

“Yeah, but getting through the bureaucracy is a pain. I applied months ago and haven't heard anything. Chances are it got 'lost' by some noble.” Robert enjoyed conversing with unicorns. Other ponies had to struggle with air quotes, most unicorns just caused them to appear, without even thinking.

“Night, or day court?” Robert asked.

“Both.” Ghost Light replied. Robert rubbed his chin.

“Let me have a word with a few ponies, and see what I can wrangle up.” Robert smiled.

“Why would you help me? I don't even know you.” Ghost Light asked.

“That's true, you don't, and I don't know you. But her?” he nodded to Trixie, sitting on the stage, running through a background scene of a battle from the Lunar Rebellion. For a moment, Robert lost himself in the scene, feeling as though he was flying with the pegasi in it. His wings twitched during a particularly hard turn. He shook out of it. "Her I know better than she knows I do, and I like her.”

“Ah.” Ghost Light nodded. "I have to say, as annoying as she is, I like her as well.” he smiled. "Perhaps more than you do.”

“Definitely more than I do.” Robert chuckled, and Ghost Light blushed. "Don't worry. I don't think she knows.” the Unicorn let out a relieved breath.

“Good. I'm a great stage performer myself, perhaps a little too good.” he nodded towards Trixie, now running a scene across the stage of a daring chase through a desert. Robert didn't recognize it, but the scenery still drew him in. "I always want to say something, but when she shows up, I just become that other pony who doesn't feel it.”

“I confess, never being in your position before. My fiance walked up, knocked me on my back and told me just how she felt. A very forward tiger indeed.” Robert smiled.

“A usual thing in Tigerdom?: Ghost Light asked.

“No. She's kind of unusual. Of course, we had to go through the betrothal rights, but I had no doubt she'd defeat my mother.” Ghost Light started. "Mom's a mighty warrior, but she likes my girlfriend.” Ghost Light laughed. "What about your mother?”

“I don't think she could take my mom.” the unicorn confessed.

“You'd be surprised.” Robert smiled. "Unless you know your mother's a world class wrestler or something.”

“Umm...” the unicorn coughed. His horn flashed, and a picture appeared. Ghost Light and a Unicorn that must have been his father, were being held in the air by a short, squat Earth Pony, wearing a weight belt. She was standing on her hind legs, and holding a bar bell in her other hoof.

“Dude. What does she do for fun?”

“Moves houses.” Ghost Light smiled. "By herself.”

“No kidding. Yeah, Trixie's pretty out matched there.”

“Out matched by who?” Trixie asked.

“My mom. he turned the picture to her. Her eyes bugged out for a moment.

“Wow.” Trixie smiled. "She cuts quite the figure doesn't she.”

“And saws logs.” Ghost Light chuckled. "She rattled the windows every night while I was growing up. We didn't put anything breakable on a shelf.”

“Trixie is glad you did not. It would have been a pity to have such a pretty head ruined by scars.” Trixie smiled. Ghost Light started to harden up.

“He likes you. She likes you.” Robert jumped in. The pair glanced at him, then each other. "Go out with one another.”

“That's not how it works.” Trixie snapped.

“Yeah, you never see that in romance novels.” Ghost Light agreed.

“I'm not in a Romance novel.” Robert replied. "Go out. Or no fixxy fixxy.” Ghost Light stiffened up.

“Now that's not fair.” he said. Robert glared at him. "What if we don't get along?”

“I'll still do it if you don't get along, but not unless you at least go out once.” Robert said. Trixie opened her mouth. “Are you passing up another one? Really?”

“No.” she looked at the unicorn. "Do you want to go out?”

“Yes, I would love that. Do you have a preference?” Trixie shook her head. "Good, I'll pick you up at... seven?”

“Trixie will be waiting.” she smiled at him. He smiled back.

“I will be here then.”

“Then I must go get ready.” she said. She started up towards her apartment. "I'll see you later.”

“Yeah.” he turned walked into the door frame, righted himself, and left the theater.

“Umm... Trixie says... Oh gods, Trixie has nothing to wear.” Robert bit through a chair back.

“Okay, you promised not to set foot back in Ponyville, if Twilight agrees to release you, would you go in?” she nodded. "Good, hop on.”

“Wait, what?” Robert threw her on his back, took two steps out the door, and threw them both into the air. "Wait!”

---

Robert didn't have quite the speed of Rainbow Dash, but he was capable of moving quickly. He climbed and dove, leading to a very ill passenger, but a very fast trip to Ponyville. He landed on the balcony of Twilight's tree.

“I can't until...” Trixie barfed again.

“Don't get off and you've violated nothing.” Robert knocked against the window. Twilight appeared after a moment, jumping in surprise. She opened the door. "Trixie has a date, she needs a dress. You're the only one who can release the promise that she made that no one expected her to keep or even make but no one can release her from but you.”

“What?” Twilight asked. Robert took a breath.

“She wants you to release her from the promise to never set foot in Ponyville again so we can convince Rarity to do her up for a date in an hour and forty-five minutes.” Robert said.

“I release you from your promise.” Twilight said.

“Thank you TWIIII!” Trixie held on for dear life as Robert spun and flung them both towards the Carousel Boutique. Twilight considered it for a moment, and leaped after them. Robert had a minor landing issue. He hit the ground, slipped in the mud and rolled forward. Trixie took flight, failed to fully shield her self, and thunked horn first into the door.

“What is going on!” Rarity asked, slamming the door open. Trixie just caught her self from being flattened against the wall. “And why is there a horn sticking out of my door?”

“Date. Emergency. Trixie.” Robert managed, spitting out mud.

“What?” Rarity asked, slamming the door shut. The jarring of the door was enough to knock Trixie's horn out of the door, where she plummeted to the ground. "Trixie?”

“I'm really sorry for all the bad things I've done to you, but I really, really, really like this guy and I don't have anything to wear for my date and Robert even got Twilight to release me from a hasty promise and PLEASE?” Trixie stopped for breath. Rarity considered it for a moment.

“Okay.” her horn glowed and she and Trixie disappeared inside.

“That was very nice of you. And how did you convince Trixie to be nice?” Twilight asked, landing beside the tiger, still spitting up bits of sod.

“I didn't. Trixie.” he hacked up one more piece of sod, which in the spirit of things, contained a daisy. "Trixie was taught to never break character. She was always 'The Great and Powerful Trixie!' all day, everyday. It wore on her. After the first incident, it sort of took her over. Not unlike you and research...” Twilight coughed. "Right, like that, but she became obsessed. The Great and Powerful Trixie just had to be the best. Which lead to the second incident. Did you deal with that amulet permanently?”

“More or less. Celestia has it.” Twilight said.

“Well, she did also have Discord, and that didn't go quite so well.” Robert shrugged. “Anyway, after that one, the personality kind of... broke. She didn't want to be that pony any more, because it wasn't... her. I met her as she was trying to find herself again. She's really not too bad when she's not trying too hard to impress.” Robert sighed. "She really wants to impress this stallion, and so she's being nice to everyone else to get that.”

“I see. Can you get her back in time?”

“I can't get myself off the ground right now. Do you think you could arrange something? She's got to be there at seven.”

“A carriage couldn't get there fast enough. I could teleport us, but I'd need her to provide the destination.” Twilight said.

“I'm sure she'd be willing.” Robert slumped forwards. "I'm going to have a nice nap here in the yard.” He was asleep before Twilight managed to formulate a reply. She chuckled. Then she stood and walked to the door of the boutique. A quick spell divested her of the mud, and a second repaired the horn shaped hole in Rarity's door. Twilight slipped inside, and was immediately buried under discarded clothing.

“Hmm... no no, too provocative for a first date. Too simple.” Rarity glared at the unicorn. "This calls for drastic measures. Trixie yelped as she was jerked through a swinging double door. Very few ponies ever went in there. And none of them ever left until they dripped with 'Super Fabulousity!'.

What came out, was exactly that. Trixie's dress was deeply blue, almost midnight, sewn with strings of pearls, and offset by a row of sapphires running down the spine. Her mane was braided with ribbon of the same deep blue, each end clasped together with another sapphire. Her tail was brushed to a shine and tied with another ribbon and Sapphire. Her horn was ornamented with a brilliant silver wire mesh, from which more sapphires dangled or sat in the mesh.

“I am a genius.” Rarity declared. Twilight couldn't do anything but nod. "Thank you.”

“How do I get back?” Trixie asked suddenly.

“I am your Royal Escort.” Twilight bowed.

“What?” Trixie asked.

“Robert's passed out on the lawn and asked me to teleport you back to your place.” Twilight explained. "I guess flying you here did him in.” Trixie flushed.

“I'll have to thank him.” she said. "How can you teleport me home? You've never been there. I might not be the best unicorn around, but I know how it works.” Trixie pointed out.

“You are a fantastic unicorn.” Rarity said. "One with eccentricities certainly, but still a fantastic unicorn.” Trixie flushed.

“I merely meant that I've not mastered the ability to teleport very far at all.” Trixie said.

“No problem.” Twilight said. "The fact that you can teleport at all makes it easier. Focus on the destination, and prepare the spell. I'll pump power into the matrix and jump us there. Then I can jump back.”

“Okay.” Trixie took a breath, focused on her apartment and laid out the spell. Twilight nodded, and dumped power into the matrix. There was a brilliant pink flash. Suddenly the pair was standing in Trixie's living room. "Welcome to my home.”

“Thank you. It's nice.” Twilight looked around. "Not quite as homey as I expected.”

“I don't really spend a lot of time here.” Trixie admitted. Some part deep inside rebelled at the thought of talking about this kind of thing to Twilight Sparkle of all ponies, but Trixie ruthlessly crushed that voice. "Mostly I'm either working in the theater, or putting up fliers.”

“Really? What do you do in the theater?” Twilight asked, only moderately curious. Trixie however swelled with pride.

“I am in sole charge of backgrounds and special effects.” the blue unicorn smiled brightly.

“Care to demonstrate?” Twilight asked. She had intended to leave right away, but Trixie was talking and she didn't want to ruin a chance to count the blue unicorn amongst her friends.

“Yes, just give Trixie a moment.” the third person slipped out. Her horn lit and a picture lifted off the wall, and nearly went through the ceiling. Twilight snapped a shield into place just in time to catch it. "What happened?” Trixie asked, terrified.

“You're wearing a silver mesh. It amplifies telekinetic powers.” Twilight reminded her gently.

“I know.” Trixie snapped, then calmed herself. "Sorry. I thought it was just tin, not real silver.”

“Rarity wouldn't skimp on fashion like that.” Twilight smiled.

“Right. Could you remove it please? I don't want to break it.” It was metal, but with boosted Telekinesis it wouldn't take much to shoot it into low orbit or more likely flatten it against the ceiling. Twilight gingerly removed it, the moment it was clear of the horn, she encased it in a protective bubble.

Trixie nodded in thanks, and cleared a space on the wall. “Anything in particular you would like?”

“Ballad of the golden princes?” Twilight asked.

“A favorite of many unicorns. Trixie nodded. "One wonders why a trio of muscled princes brings the attention of unicorns in particular. she pondered it a moment. "Oh well.” Her horn began to glow and for a moment, nothing happened. Then the magic laid itself out on the wall and began forming the story. Three unicorn princes each dressed in gold threaded finery trotted through the forest. One in white with a bright blue coat and mane. One in deep red with a pale green coat and dark green mane. The third in silver with a dark red coat and nearly black tail. The tale told of them journeying through the woods to the castle of the two sisters. They came to woo Celestia in hopes of becoming king.

Each of them tried and failed to woo her, and then each sought Luna. Each was turned down. And at the end, they found themselves enchanted by maids of the castle, whom they went home with. The Blue unicorn left with a purple unicorn, the green unicorn left with a brown earth pony. The red coat stayed with a black coated Pegasus. Most ponies thought it referred to the founding of the first noble houses, marrying princes to create them. Twilight knew the truth. The three princes were actually the servants and the three servants were the nobility. The prince version was considered somehow more romantic, not that she could understand it, and Celestia hadn't had the heart to tell most ponies the truth. But sitting with the princess at the play, Twilight had gotten an education she'd never expected. Celestia had given a running commentary about the differences.

“Okay. Wow.” Twilight said, as the spell wound down, and Trixie beside her, carefully so as not to wrinkle her dress. "I knew you were handy with an illusion, but that...” the alicorn shook her head.

“Thank you Twilight Sparkle.” Trixie said, slightly exhausted. "I must admit, I appreciate the compliment, but a small part rankles at it.”

“Really? Even though it's an admission that you're better at something than I am?” Twilight asked.

“Even then. It feels like a...hollow compliment.” Trixie admitted. "Like you're just trying to make me feel better.”

“Let me show you something. Twilight took a deep breath. Her horn flashed and an illusion appeared on the wall. It looked like a stop motion animation of a Rainbow Dash drawing. And yet, it was a technically perfect illusion. Trixie could see a perfection of proportion, that was something she expected from Twilight Sparkle. The fact that even the terrible looking ponies on the wall were in the exact correct proportions, was just her kind of thing.

“Trixie see's.” Twilight let the illusion fade.

“The only other unicorn I know that's much good at illusion is Rarity. She keeps telling me it's all about attention to detail, but I guess I don't have it.” Twilight shrugged. It didn't bug her too much, unless she thought hard about it, then she started picking it apart until it didn't. Trixie, had she known, would have pointed out that the kind of attention to detail needed to pick apart an argument with yourself could translate well into an illusion. She didn't know and so said nothing.

“So much for leaving right away.” Trixie said. Twilight opened her mouth. "Thank you, Twilight Sparkle. Without you, I'd have spent the entire hour pacing.”

“You're welcome. And Trixie? Come visit Ponyville any time.” Twilight smiled and offered a hoof. Trixie bumped it. As if summoned, there came a knock at the door. "Oh, looks like your date is here.”

“Does Trixie look okay?” the unicorn asked, standing up.

“YOU, look amazing. As if Rarity would do any less.” Twilight pulled the silver mesh over and carefully set it on Trixie's horn. "Just remember, take care with your Telekinesis, this thing is going to be juicing it up a lot.”

“I will remember.” she paused. "Would you answer the door so I don't accidentally rip it off?” Trixie asked. Twilight smiled, and nodded.

---

Ghost Light raised his hoof to knock again, then quickly dropped it when the handle turned. It was glowing a darker pink than he remembered, but that was explained when not the blue unicorn he expected, but a purple Alicorn awaited him on the other side. He started to speak, then caught sight of Trixie. His jaw dropped open, and he nearly dropped the bouquet of flowers he had in his telekinetic grasp. After a few awkward moments of staring, Twilight reached up and closed his mouth.

“I'm ready.” Trixie said.

“I see.” he struggled to put his brain into gear. "You look... amazing.”

“Thank you. A friend helped.” Trixie took a step forward. Ghost Light nearly stumbled standing still.

“Here, these are for you.” he floated the flowers to her. She reached out, and gingerly took them. How he knew her favorites were tulips, she didn't quite know, but they were delicious.

“I hope dinner is as delicious as the appetizer.” Trixie said. Ghost Light's eyes dilated.

“Oh no.” he realized he'd forgotten something. "I completely forgot dinner.” Trixie smiled.

“Well, perhaps we can go to a deli and have a picnic?” the unicorn suggested.

“Wait. Here.” Twilight's horn flashed. A small white card appeared and floated over to Ghost Light. "Go to Chez Musette, and show that to the maitre'd. He'll know what it means.” Ghost Light took it. There was nothing on the card but Celestia's Sun-In-Glory. "If he asks, tell him Twilight Sparkle sent you.”

“Thank you.” The pair of unicorns said.

“Go and enjoy yourselves. I am going home to have a good night. I expect to hear that you did the same.” Twilight said, and shooed them out. After they left, Twilight gathered her power, and flashed to the restaurant. The maitre'd was moderately surprised to see her.

“Princess, how may I help you?” he asked. "Your usual table?”

“No. I have two friends coming. They'll have the card. I wanted to make sure you know they're coming. And that I really did send them.”

“Ah. The table is empty, certainly. Anything special?” he asked.

“No, but the entire meal is on my tab, but don't tell them. It's a surprise.” Twilight said. She knew she could count on his discretion.

“You can count on me Princess.” the Maitre'd said. "They must be special friends.”

“I'm glad to call all my friends special.” she said. "Now, not to be rude, but the surprise will be very ruined if they run into me.”

“Certainly. Have a pleasant night Princess.” he bowed as she flashed away. “Ah, how may I help you?”

“A table for two?” Ghost Light asked. “I was told to show you this?” he levitated the card for the Maitre'd.

“Ah of course. And who sent you if I might ask?”

“Princess Twilight Sparkle.” Ghost Light replied.

“Ah, very well, follow me.”

Twilight flashed home, landing outside Carousel Boutique. Robert was still sleeping on the lawn, though he now had a pillow under his head, and a blanket over him. Of course, he was also still in the mud, but even if Rarity couldn't let him sleep without those, there were limits to even her generosity. She came to the door when Twilight knocked.

“So? Did you get Trixie off on her date alright?” Rarity asked once they were inside.

“I did.” Twilight said, and related the story. Rarity gave a very Fluttershy like squeal of approval. Then laughed at the forgotten dinner. It ended with a hug.

“I'm not the only one who's generous.” Rarity said. "Even if you're better at not taking credit.” she teased.

“It's their night. Besides, Trixie would kill me if she found out.”

“You're certain the Maitre'd will convince her?” Rarity asked.

“Absolutely. Jacque is an old friend of the family. It's Mom's favorite restaurant, so I've known him for years.” Twilight said. "He's known me for years as well, even if he still insists on calling me Princess.” they shared a laugh. They talked for a little while longer, and then Rarity walked Twilight to the door.

“I wonder how long until he wakes up?” Rarity asked.

“Hard to say.” Twilight replied. "We had a long night last night, and then he raced back here.” Robert had rolled onto his side, but he had one leg up in the air, twitching slightly.

“Oh well.” Rarity said, and shook her head.