We're just lost in your world!

"Bwaaah!" Twilight gasped as she shook her head, the dye dripping out of her mane and onto the dirt. "Well that was 10 bits wasted." She muttered as she shook herself like a dog, the dye from her tail flowing down the stream. "At least I know I don't have to wear it anymore. Wish I could leave these things at full size too though." She sighed before preening her wings gently.

"I beg pardon, miss Twilight." Elusive's voice sounded from behind a cluster of trees. "My apologies, but we held a small vote and it was decided that I should follow you, just to make sure you stay safe."

"Eeep! Oww...." She winced as she bit down on her wing. "O-oh... that's okay.. I know my way around the forest pretty well." she chuckled sheepishly.

"Yes, Spike mentioned that was the case, that this.. 'Zecora' pony, helped you two find your way to Ponyburg when you got lost looking for a good stargazing point." Elusive.. nodded? Twilight guessed at his actions as she couldn't see him.

"Errm.. are you all right? I didn't surprise you and cause you to hurt yourself did I?"

"O-oh no, not at all... just... pulling a knot in my mane without a brush..." she winced. "come on..stupid horn... work." she muttered as she tried to shrink her wings again.

"I'd be glad to assist with your mane if you don't mind." Elusive nodded as he trotted into view, before blinking at the still dripping mare with her wings standing up on end, and giving an impressed whistle. "Well. I may have to amend what I said about you earlier, without that dye you are quite frankly, how does the term go? 'Drop dead gorgeous' I believe." He smirked. "Oh.. but what are these? Wings? And a horn?"

"O-oh... umm... a-about that.. umm... crap baskets.." Twilight cursed.

"Oh, you say that too?"

"Whuh?" She blinked.

"Spike said it after he let slip that you knew the zebra in the forest." Elusive chuckled.

"O-oh.. right... I'm going to have to scold him for that." She frowned.

"But these wings..." Elusive reached out and brushed a hoof against one, causing Twilight to blush and retract it.

"No no no... please don't touch them." She whispered.

"My word.. they're real.. are you.. another princess?" He gaped.

"O-oh... umm..." Twilight glanced from side to side.

'Oh... what would the girls do in this situation...Applejack would tell the truth.. but that might get me into trouble here... Pinkie, no, I can't pass these off as fake now... Rainbow's bravado would just land me in more trouble... I'm already stuttering like Fluttershy...'

"W-well.. a mare is entitled to her secrets isn't she?" She smiled sheepishly.

'Oh.. if he's anything like Rarity.. please let that work!'

"Ah, but of course, if you don't feel comfortable answering, then I shan't push the issue." Elusive smiled. "And you needn't worry. I won't tell anypony else. You have my word as a gentlecolt."

'Oh... oh thank you Celestia...' Twilight let out the breath she had been unconsciously holding.