It was still dark, but by this point, everypony had gone to their homes, ready to shake off the unexpected incident their small town had just gone through. The marks where the Ursa minor had been could still be seen on the road leading out of the place, and several of the Equestrian guards remained, standing watch just beyond Ponyville's borders to keep a vigil, should the beast make some form of comeback. Lights were going out in every home, and all around, the only real illumination around was that of the bright moon in the clear starry sky above them. It truly looked as if Ponyville was nothing short of the model of absolute peace and quiet.

That is, until steps could be heard.

They were quiet, barely enough to catch anypony's attention. But they were there all the same. A figure moved in the shadows in-between homes, and when it emerged into the moonlight, it turned out to be none other than Trixie. But this was not the same mare Twilight had approached mere hours ago. Gone was her look of fear and nervousness, replaced instead by an expression that could only be called serious. She watched around herself carefully, making sure that she was not seen by anypony. Every once in a while, she would spot a nearby guard, out on patrol, prompting her to take refuge in some secluded dark spot. One when such potential dangers were gone, and she was certain that none could see her, did she truly started to gallop quickly.

She moved far from the more developed areas of Ponyville, heading instead to, of all places, the Everfree Forest. Here, at the very least, there was little chance of being discovered, and so on she went, drawing ever nearer to the dangerous woodland. But, when she reached the outermost border of that dark forest, she stopped, looking over her shoulder to make sure she was not seen. However, it was as she did this that a voice, finally, broke the silence of the night.

"So...were you successful?"

Turning back to the treeline, Trixie squinted, and could now see a second figure emerging from the shadows of the Everfree's trees. Whoever it was, they were clad in an all-concealing black cloak, their face obscured in shadows. Nevertheless, a small smirk crept onto Trixie's face as she regarded this new arrival, giving a short nod.

"Indeed I was. It was a bit of a close call with that Ursa, especially after waking it, but it was just the spectacle I needed."

The unknown figure before her gave a nod in return, and when it spoke, it was with the clear voice of a mare.

"I imagine you must be pleased to not have to travel any more, Trixie."

A chuckle escaped the magician at hearing that.

"Tell me about it. Roaming this dull little country has been most taxing. But at least it gives me some good foundation for that whole traveller story I've got going."

Again, the figure nodded, which was followed by a silence for a time, before she then spoke in a more serious manner.

"And your new friends? Do they suspect anything?"

Looking around, Trixie's eyes drifted over towards the centre of Ponyville.

"I doubt it. As far as they're concerned, I'm just the innocent victim of a savage beast. I've been welcomed with open hooves."

She looked back to the figure, who raised a hoof and rubbed her still-hidden chin.

"...And young Sparkle? You've see what she can do?"

Trixie nodded, but said nothing as the figure continued.

"And?"

The "show-mare" paused, considering the question carefully, before giving a slow nod as she started answering.

"The rumours were not wrong. She has perhaps the greatest amount of raw magical talent I've ever seen. Seeing what she did to that Ursa...there's no question that we're dealing with a very powerful unicorn here."

She frowned.

"Perhaps...more powerful than even Twilight herself knows."

The hooded figure nodded, placing her hoof back upon the ground.

"So then...do you think she could be...what our Lady is looking for?"

A brief flash of doubt crossed Trixie's eyes.

"Hard to say, at least this early on. She has the ability...but so did many others. Only time will tell, I suppose."

The unseen mare lowered her gaze to the ground, pausing at what Trixie had said, all while the latter watched patiently. Eventually though, the former spoke again, this time with a more restrained tone.

"Very well. I will let the Queen know what we've found. And as for you..."

Again, the hoof was raised, but this time, it was pointed straight at Trixie.

"...you are to continue your assignment. Play your role, and let nopony think of you as anything else."

Trixie nodded.

"Fine. But what about Rarity? Or the Captain?"

The mystery mare considered this for a few moments.

"...Do not approach them about this. I have no doubt that they'll suspect why you're here, or at least understand that your purpose is important. So don't worry about explaining things."

Again, Trixie nodded.

"Alright then. Guess it's back to the library. I think I'll have had enough "needing fresh air" for one night."

Having said that, the blue mare turned, beginning to walk back towards Ponyville. However, before taking too many steps, she paused, looking back to the figure in the shadows with uncertainty.

"If what our Queen suspects about her is true...what's to be done?"

The figure remained still and silent, looking past her colleague in the direction of Ponyville. Then, after letting out a long sigh, the unnamed pony answered.

"If the Queen's suspicions are right...then tread carefully."