The click of hooves on stone echoed down the halls. Two royal guards trotted along the polished marble floors, armor shining as they neared the gates of Canterlot Castle. They stood at attention, spears raised to block the way. Trixie paid them little mind, save that they stood in her way. "Trixie has been summoned. Unless you wish to anger both the princess inside, and the Great and Powerful wizard before you, move aside."

The unicorn guards shifted uneasily. "The sun has risen on your deadline, we have word that—"

"That the princess is fine and that she requests my presence." Trixie gave a prim sniff and a toss of her mane. "Trixie is expected. Now." She pointed aside at Aaron. "She will want to see Trixie and her new assistant."

Aaron put his hand on her withers, nodding down at the guards. "Yeah, sorry about this." He waved at them. "We're kind of expected."

The guards exchanged glances. One sighed softly. "Very well. Follow me. If the princess does not wish your presence, I will see you directly to the jail."

Trixie rolled her eyes. "Trixie would have made a great show, but a pleasant conversation is just as nice. Come along, pet. I am eager to see Celestia and see how well Trixie can both amaze and stupefy her."

"Yes, Trixie." Aaron rubbed at her shoulders gently. "Is it bad that I'm excited?" He moved the hand towards the center of Trixie's back, massaging gently. Fortunately for all involved, Trixie rather liked having her pet see to her unspoken needs.

Trixie looked over her shoulder at him. "Not at all. Trixie prefers eager followers to those that wait for instructions." She trotted after the guard. "You would not believe how long some ponies have to be told to walk forward."

Aaron hurried to be at her side, even with her head. "I'm pretty ready for that princess trick."

"Excellent." Trixie somehow looked even smugger. "She will expect you to rock them so hard, their horseshoes fall off in the excitement."

He grinned. "I think I can manage that." He put a hand on her shoulder and kissed the tip of her ear.

She squirmed in delight, voice dropping low. "Such a good pet. Still, stop that. It would be unseemly for Trixie's loyal minion to continue lavishing her in front of them." She huffed gently. "Wouldn't want them being embarrassed with envy."

They emerged from the hallway into the opulence of the throne room. The polished marble floors were pristine and framed with velvet-lined runners, perfect for hooves and paws.

Thick red drapes decorated the walls with splashes of color, softening the impact of the thick marble columns that held up the vaulted ceilings. There, in the center of it, stood Princess Celestia, watching them with a gentle smile.

"Trixie, thank you for coming. And Aaron, I've heard good things about you." She winked. "And not just from Trixie. It is not often a new creature is spotted, and such a friendly one, if reports are to believed. You are welcome here."

The guard that had walked them in simply saluted and walked back out, looking sure enough that Trixie's presence was tolerated.

Aaron laughed nervously. "I am? Wow, uh, thanks. I think this is the most impressive place I've ever seen." He leaned against Trixie as he looked around. "So what did you want us for?"

Trixie nudged against Aaron. "Don't ask silly questions, my pet. Celestia has surely called upon Trixie for amazing showmareship!"

Celestia chuckled softly. "Amazing or otherwise, Trixie, I simply wished to speak with you." She turned to one of the guards. "Bring chairs for them both. This conversation will take some time." Her eyes were on Aaron. "Did she call you her pet?"

"Yeah." He laughed again, moving closer to her. "We're actually pretty good together. She showed me a lot of neat stuff. I can make magic balls now! And I'm going to get better at it too." He made a juggling motion, orbs of glimmering orange appearing on them for the instant before his motions sent them up and he began to juggle them before Celestia's eyes.

She applauded gently at the display. "Well done. That's very advanced magic for a beginner."

Trixie cantered in a quick circle, looking as pleased as the cat who had eaten the canary. "It is impressive for any pony, but Trixie is simply that amazing!" She nudged against him. "Tell her; it was Trixie's fantastic tutoring that has enabled you to stand next to her."

"Yeah, Trixie taught me everything I know." Aaron smiled at Celestia. "I didn't even know magic was real before yesterday. Now I'm learning how to do it myself."

Trixie whispered into his ear, rearing up on her hind legs to have a chance at it, "She may have—"

But before she could finish, Celestia continued, "That you a creature capable of magic makes this meeting that much more essential." She inclined her head. "You two seem to be getting along, but are only recently met. Does your kind of creature make fast friends?"

Aaron blushed faintly and shook his head. "No, but Trixie makes for a pretty good exception." He put an arm around her withers, his smile widening. "She's the best."

Trixie fell to all fours with quite the pleased expression. "Is it any wonder? He adores Trixie from her hooves up to her ears. Fortunately, Trixie likes being adored. Now, how can we help you? You didn't summon us just to say hello to him, did you?"

Celestia gave a musical laugh. "No, I summoned you because of a troubling matter." She grew more serious as she said, "Our relationship with ponies of other lands is tenuous at best. I had a thought, why not send a diplomat that can help turn their frowns to brighter expressions? Trixie Lulamoon, are you ready for such a task?"

Trixie laughed. "The Great and Powerful has defeated others in combat, challenged them in tricks, and when they least expected it, made them the fools! It is Trixie's job to make friends of these distant ponies." She raised a hoof to her chest. "She will do it gladly." She leaned in with a sneer. "But she will expect payment for her time and efforts." She pointed back at Aaron. "And him too! He is accompanying me. He deserves it."

Aaron chuckled. "Yeah, I'm all about going on a trip like that." He grinned at Celestia. "No problem here."

Celestia laughed softly. "My, you two are already very much a team, aren't you?" She directed with her horn. "See the financier. She will gladly see you get your advance, and the rest of it when you return." She pulled over a map with her magic and pointed. "This is where I want you to go first."

Trixie saw, not far from their destination, was a place labeled "The Badlands". That couldn't be a good sign. But she pushed it from her mind. There were no quests without risk!

Aaron perked. "Isn't that where the changelings are?" He pointed at the Badlands.

Celestia nodded. "It is. They're doing their best to reform it, but it remains named that for now. Still, this doesn't involve them. We are already quite friendly with the changelings. No, the place you are visiting is a realm of ponies and other creatures, mostly other creatures."

Trixie edged back into the conversation, determined to have a part. "Are they dangerous? Trixie will be happy to defend herself and her assistant, but she would rather not fight some vast, evil dragon."

Celestia waved that away. "Actually, the creatures bare a stronger resemblance to your new 'pet'. That is, in part, why I called for you. You two are perfect for this assignment."

Aaron blushed faintly at the idea of that. "We're going to be ambassadors from Equestria?"

"Exactly." Celestia sank to her haunches, still quite tall against Trixie, but about at eye level with Aaron. "If it goes well, there are other places that may use your touch. Consider this a test run."

Trixie flipped her mane, raising her head proudly. "Trixie will be certain to get things exactly right the first time."

"Great." Celestia straightened. "I'll send word ahead and prepare you a guide."

With things settled, Trixie led Aaron from the room, gathered the advance payment, and onwards to her cart. "It is unfortunate that Trixie's body is so much more suited to this." She got the harness and slipped into it. "Up up!" Her command was like that aimed at a dog. Despite that, Aaron did hop onto the wagon and found his spot at the top of it.

The entire walk down towards the streets, he had the princess on his mind. "Celestia seemed pretty nice, don't you think?" He chuckled softly. "Not what I was expecting at all."

Trixie turned an ear back at him as she walked along placidly. "What were you expecting? You sounded like you knew who she was."

"I do! Did? Still do." He shrugged with a tense laugh. "She's just nice, and puts off this real vibe that makes you relaxed around her. Like a mom you don't want to make sad, but who probably makes the best cookies ever."

Trixie smirked. "Celestia is definitely ancient, though she doesn't look it. She might know some delicious cookie recipes. Trixie could try some, if she can get it out of her." She snorted. "In any event, we know where we are headed." She glanced over her shoulder. "If ever you wish to take a turn drawing the wagon, Trixie wouldn't stop you."

As easy as Trixie made it look, the wagon had significant weight, more than a human wanted to pull if they had the choice. "That is more a horse job, sorry. You know I would if I could."

She sighed and turned back to her walking. "Yes, well, Trixie feels quite certain Celestia didn't go to all this trouble just for a pony to pull a wagon." She perked a little. "It would seem she hired you, and got Trixie as a bonus." She rolled her eyes. "Silly mare, doesn't she realize Trixie will be doing most of the talking."

"You really are amazing, you know that?" He petted along her withers gently from behind and above.

Trixie made a soft sound of approved pleasure. "Trixie is glad you realize that. Now, it will take some time to get there. We'll have a few nights out. We'll have to get by with one another for warmth and comfort."

Aaron laughed softly. "Just us and a campfire under the stars. That sounds great to me. I love being with you."

She glanced back at him, not without affection. "Well, Trixie prefers to be warm, and you're warmer than most."

They set out through the gates of Canterlot, the noises of the city fading behind them. "Now, just to be clear, if you see something dangerous, Trixie expects you to protect her from it. She can't use her magic if she's already gobbled up."

He blushed. "I don't think it would come to that. But I promise, if we get into any trouble, I'll take care of you."

She smiled. "Good pet." The road carried them towards their destination. They descended from the mountain with each slow turn, making their time towards the badlands and the town beyond it. "Trixie chose well, as usual."

Author's Note

Begin adventure arc! I'm sure nothing horrible or naughty will happen to our lucky protagonists. Right? (This is where you whisper a few ideas if you wish)

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