Chrysalis is beaten. Her invasion of Canterlot has failed. Her hive has been scattered to the winds. And with Equestria on guard, love is in short supply. She has failed her people, and now the future looks bleak and grim.

But there’s a change in the air. Chrysalis can feel it in her bones and in her dreams. Something is calling to her, drawing her and the remnants of her hive north. To the place the changelings once called home.

Placed sixth in the August 2015 Write-Off Event: Distant Shores.

With each passing day, the night grows ever darker.

Princess Luna has never felt more alone.

Artwork by the Inimitable Mewball

When Discord begins drafting all unicorns to serve in the military, young Celestia and Luna are given no choice but to flee their Unicornian home as refugees. But when Celestia discovers that they don't have enough money to pay both their ways to safety aboard the ship, she is forced to make a decision: return home and risk losing her sister to their cruel kingdom...

... or pay Luna's ticket and walk the desert pass alone.

After a decade apart, Luna and Twilight meet again for a night of strong drinks and remembrance. Once upon a time loneliness was something they could chose. Now, in an empty world, it's a steady companion for both of them. And sometimes it can lead one astray, even when one knows it might be a bad idea.

Thanks to the Four Hooves and a Pen collective, where this story was born.

What are those ill feelings you have? Directed towards the one you love most in the world. It's wrong isn't it? To feel that way?

Isn't it?

Princess Luna doesn't know anymore.

Set 1000 years ago.
Audio reading by TheDizzyDan.
Audio reading by Plagen Shiki.