Twilight Sparkle had plenty of time to think about the upcoming reunion with her teacher. Chasset wasn't exactly the talkative kind of pony, but Twilight was fine About it. As the two mares traveled corridor after corridor, staircase after staircase, questions whirled in Twilight's skull like fireflies, one could see them in the way her eyes glittered and shone.

So absorbed in thought was the young princess, that the ponies they passed completely slipped her notice, which may have been the best. For not only did she miss the primly dressed maids and armed guards walking the long hallways, but she also missed how each of them bowed to her as she passed. The gracious greeting of Skylord would've paled in comparison to such a display of respect.

The door Chasset and Twilight came to stop at was hardly different than any of the countless others they had passed on their way here. The only difference between the others and this one was that instead of an ivory colored wood, this one door was a bright yellow. Twilight knew what this meant, just as she knew what the dark blue door in the dungeon meant: they had reached Celestia’s study.

The guard posted outside was a young, twiggy stallion. Twilight, who had now escaped her thoughts, felt a flush of heat as the stallion first regarded her with a look a reverence, than bowed so low that his helmet threatened to topple.

Twilight had to resist the urge to stop the soldier, to tell him there was no point in such absurd formalities on her account. Instead, she only sighed.

What’s the use, she thought, I'm getting the feeling that as long as I have these wings on my back and that crown back home, it's going to be the royal treatment forever. She quailed at the thought.

“Princess Sparkle, what an honor it is,” the soldier said, raising his head to meet her gaze. Though the smile he wore was innocent enough, his auburn eyes glittered with interest.

“How happy I am to have been put on sentry, if only to gaze upon such a radiant beauty.”

Twilight barely had time to be embarrassed by such a remark before Chasset had time to fall upon the young stallion.

“First you make moves on my staff, now a princess! My my, what high standards you've grown, Harsh Wind!”

The soldier, a unicorn named Harsh Wind, suddenly felt his confidence stagger as Chasset’s hateful gaze bore into him. It was as if she could wretch out Harsh Winds very soul if so pleased.

“M-Mistress Chasset, forgive me, I-I didn't see you there-”

“Oh? Perhaps that’s because I'm not as radiant as a princess, or a maid. Is that right?”

Harsh Wind didn't respond. His head dipped down, not daring to look up from the polished floor.

Chasset gave a small, self affirming nod. “That's right. You're commanding officer already threatened to strip you of your hide if you were to flirt with any of the staff again. Tell me, what were to happen if I were to tell him you made a pass at not only a princess of Equestria, but the very sister of the Captain, Shining Armor!”

Harsh Wind cringed, but managed to find his voice. “I was only giving Princes Sparkle a warm welcome and a deserved compliment. I meant no harm.”

Chasset barked a short, mocking laugh that Twilight didn't much care for. “No harm, he says. Spare me, Corporal, for your eyes told a different story. You looked like a foal who had just stumbled upon a shiny, new bit.”

Harsh Wind didn't make any more replies after that, he simply did his best to steer clear of Chasset while still manning his station.

When Chasset turned back to Twilight, the young princess was disturbed to see how quickly the mare’s demeanor had changed. One minute she’s as cool as a ice, the next she's as sour as a lemon. What a lovely mare you have as a head maid, Celestia, Twilight thought.

“Forgive me, your highness, but allow me to slip in and tell the Princess you're here.” The wide, pleading smile she give Twilight made the princess’s mane want to crawl right off her scalp.

“That's quite alright,” Twilight assured her, “I understand Celestia has been rather busy lately. I wouldn't want to be a bother.”

Chasset suddenly looked striken. Twilight hoped she hadn't offended the prudish mare.

“Oh no, please don't mistake my meaning, Princess. You would never be a bother. I just suppose it’s… um…”

As Chasset struggled to find her words, Harsh Wind dared to steal a glance. He couldn't help himself. Twilight could see the ghost of a smirk touch the stallion’s lips. She supposed it was well warranted.

“Formal?” Twilight guessed.

Chasset’s face lit up. “Yes! That is precisely right! Formal. Now, if you'll pardon me.”

Harsh Wind quickly found the floor much more interesting as Chasset turned back to face the door.

Before reaching for the doorknob, the maid took a deep breath and tried in vain to fix her frying mane. With her confidence rekindled, Chasset took the plunge into Celestia’s study.

As the door clicked shut behind her, the two ponies -soldier and princess- were left in a stifling silence. Twilight was suddenly awfully aware of Harsh Wind’s presence. They shuffled awkwardly, neither quite wanting to meet the other in the eye. The embarrassment Chasset had spared Twilight from earlier now came crashing down upon her like a tidal wave.

Harsh Wind cleared his throat, giving poor Twilight an awful start. “Forgive me for my insolent tongue, Princess. Sometimes it just loses control of itself while in the presence of pretty mares.”

To her merit, Twilight did her best to force back the heat creeping up from the base of her neck to her cheeks. “Do you really think it’s wise to say such things? Especially with… well… you know.”
Twilight gave furtive glance to the sun blasted door. Harsh Wind followed her hoof, puzzled at first but turning back to her with a roguish grin. It seemed to brighten his face, highlighting those handsome features like lights on a Hearth’s Warming tree.

“What? Old Miss Chasset? Nah, that old nanny’s bark is worse than her bite. She likes to talk tall, so she does, but nothing ever comes from it.”

The heat that had touched Twilight’s cheeks and neck returned, this time creeping down to her very hooves. Her breath drew short and she feared that she might actually be on fire. Shining Armor warned me about stallion’s like this, whose smiles could melt steel beams and set a brick house a kindle. He they were as tricky as tar pits… and just as dangerous…, Twilight though.

Despite the alarms sounding off in her mind, Twilight allowed herself to be charmed by that smile.

“My, how brave you are,” Twilight mused, and added, just as Harsh Winds began to swell, “And quite the ‘tall talk’ from yourself as well. You didn't seem as confident when she was in your face.”

“Oh… well…” The soldier shuffled his hooves, his eyes shifting. “I just… thought it polite.”

“Polite? What do you mean?”

“Well, I couldn't call myself a gentlecolt if I show up Celestia’s head maid, especially in front of another princess. Chasset does takes her job rather serious. Why, she would simply die of embarrassment.”

Twilight tried to stifle the giggle that bubbled up to her lips, but it was too late. Harsh Wind noticed it all the same.

“We are well met, Princess Twilight Sparkle.” There was a tinge of pride in his voice, though, Twilight didn't know why.

“Are we?” Twilight asked. She thought for a moment, pondering the stallion’s odd phrasing of words. She wanted to ask him where he was from, but she knew that Chasset would be coming through the door any minute.

I'm surprised she’s been gone this long. I wonder what Celestia is saying to her…

Instead, Twilight simply said, “Well, I think we are too. I haven't been back in Canterlot for more than half an hour, and already I've met some new, interesting faces.”

Harsh Wind beamed, and it seemed that he was about to say something else when the door to Celestia’s study opened with a click.

“Yes, Princess, I'll make the arrangements right away-” said Chasset. They saw her flank first as she backed out of the study, then her face as she swung around. For a moment, Twilight saw sincere gladness on the maid’s face, as if she had peeked upon all of her wildest dream just on the other side of that door; Celestia always seemed to have that effect on ponies. However, that expression of bliss melted into a butter froth of discontent as she set eyes on Harsh Wind once more.

“You.” The word fell like a stone from Chasset’s mouth. Harsh Wind immediately found the ground quite interesting again.

“I hope you haven't been giving the poor princess anymore trouble. I'll have none of your flirtatious ways besmirching her honor.”

Harsh Wind’s mouth opened, perhaps to defend himself, but Twilight beat him to the punch.

“He’s quite alright,” Twilight assured her, trying her best to smile. “I assure, my honor is… unbesmirched. We’ve simply been talking about how things in Canterlot have changed since my last visit. Figured I'd better get reacquainted with the city if I'm going to be staying for so long.”

Chasset glanced at Twilight skeptically. “Are you sure, Princess? There's no use testifying on this one's behalf. He's as wily as a coyote, and just as carnivorous… if you get my meaning.”

Twilight wasn't sure she did, but she stuck by her word all the same. Chasset gave a short a nod.

“Well, if you're positive. Anyways, the Princess has said she is ready to receive you.” Then, to Harsh Wind, she added, “And you are relieved of your post, soldier. Celestia said that you may return to the barracks or find you commanding officer if you still wish to remain on guard duty.”

There was a glimmer of defiance in the stallion’s eyes, as if he longed to remain right where he was. After a moment thought, he decided better; it would mean a lashing if he were to argue with Chasset… again.

Harsh Wind simply muttered a simple ‘yes, ma'am’ and trotted on. He made it a few paces down the corridor before pausing to look over his shoulder. Already the Princess and the maid were gone, entering Celestia’s study. He had hoped -a fool's kind of hope, his mother would've called- that the pretty lavender colored princess had given him a finally glance to. A vain, stupid notion, but one that had gave him pause all the same.

Though he did not see the Princess look over her shoulder as he departed, thoughts of Harsh Wind would follow Twilight for the rest of the evening. Though the crotchety Chasset had all but gilded the stallion, Harsh Wind would've been overjoyed to learn that his first impression had been a good one.

Twilight barely registered Chasset’s departure, or when the maid said she would be back shortly with the Princess’s tea. She was held captive by the beaming face of her teacher. A flower, that willing captive of the sun, would have understood Twilight all too well.

“You seem well, Twilight,” Celestia said at last. It felt as if eons were growing between them in that stricken silence, and yet the Princess had easily crossed them with just four words.

Shaking the cobwebs from her head, Twilight finally broke the hold her reverence had over her.

“I am very well, Princess, especially now that I have the walls of Canterlot over my head again.”

“I’m happy to hear that. I bet it’s quite the break from your work in Ponyville.”

“Oh yes indeed! Ponyville has been so busy lately. The girls and I haven't had much time to ourselves. I know there’s many things planned for the Landsmeet, but I'm sure we’ll enjoy the time away from our work as if it really was a vacation.” Twilight tittered a little at her statement, and Celestia acknowledged it with a smile of her own.

However…

Maybe it was just Twilight’s imagination, but there was something amiss about that smile. It appeared strained in a way; there were far too many lines at the corners of her mouth, as if simply holding that tiny thing made Celestia's entire face want to sag.

No, you're seeing things. And even if there is something, it's probably just because she’s tired. With a week till the Landsmeet, it must be quite the hustle for both princesses.

Both princesses…

Even while in the presence of the one pony she had longed to see the most, Twilight’s mind reluctantly drifted to the pony who had plagued her anxieties as of late. It was the other. The sister.

Luna…

“Please, won't you have a seat, Twilight? I know you probably won't like to hear this, but the Landsmeet is old business for me. I'd much rather us talk about how things have been going in Ponyville, at least for the time being.”

That strain was gone now. Celestia’s face opened up with bright eyed curiosity. She had spent sun up to sundown in this damnable study, and now she craved something more than the smell of old books, the sight of papers stacked atop her desk, and the feeling of the worn cushion aching her bum. She longed to be free of those ivory walls, and to walk among those cobblestone roads once more. Celestia craved Ponyville.

“Well… okay…” Twilight hesitated, but found she was still all too eager to please her old mentor. She moved to the tiny chair facing the front of Celestia’s desk. “I'm not sure how interesting you'll find it. Busy work galore and all that.”

Oh, if only you knew, my dearest Twilight. Celestia thought. If only you had a clue. I'd rather discuss the Necrotic Equation with a necromancer than waste another brain cell on that blasted Landsmeet.

Celestia would never betray these thoughts, of course. Instead, she gave Twilight a knowing look and said, “I think you'd be quite surprised.”

Once Twilight was nice and comfy in the guest chair, she took a deep breath and thought hard about the past few months. She had been riddled with guilt over the carnage wrought on by the battle with Terik those odd months ago. Ponyville had nearly been leveled in the bout.

However, that was then. The smouldering buildings and the ponies shifting through the ashes of their old lives was now a thing of the past. Twilight, lost in a current of thought, was struck by a sudden ruffle of movement to her right. There, Philomena stood proud atop a stack of books piled high in the corner of the room. In Twilight’s excitement, she had completely missed the glorious Phoenix, now preening it's fiery plumage.

Seeing the magical bird with visions of a ruined Ponyville on her mind made Twilight became aware of just how far Ponyville had come. What was once kindling had pushed through the grim and ashes, flourishing like a bed of wild roses.

Flourished like a phoenix, you mean…

Twilight smiled to herself. Celestia arched an eyebrow, but said nothing. She followed Twilight’s gaze. Upon seeing Philomena, Celestia seemed to have read Twilight’s mind. The smile upon Twilight’s lips had moved to touch Celestia’s as well.

With renewed enthusiasm, Twilight told her teacher of Ponyville’s reconstruction.

Celestia found herself rather amazed at what her student had to say. She was reminded that time could still slip away from those with an unnatural abundance of it. Perhaps it moved even faster, she thought. Those with more to give had more to lose.

It had been before Tirek’s attack that Celestia had visited the welcoming little hamlet. And here she had still been thinking of it as such, a rural town far enough from the city to have a rustic charm that remained untouched by the fast past city life, yet close enough to still feel modern. How times had changed.

With the help of the Elements of Harmony - as well as the entrepreneuring whims of Mayor Mare - Ponyville had expanded beyond its previous borders, it's numbers swelling with the passing of each month. Contractors, artisans, and even retired soldiers; all sorts of ponies were finding a place for themselves in Ponyville. Twilight and her friends had dealt with so many of these strangers, that their faces seemed to smear together in their mind’s eyes.

“I'm curious,” Celestia said after a long silence. Chasset had returned, this time carrying a tray holding a teapot, two cups, and a plate of cookies still warm from the oven.

The Princess continued to speak as the maid fussed over Twilight, insisting that she serve the younger mare herself. “Do you know where most of these ponies hail from? I had heard through whispers and rumors that Ponyville was flourishing, but I didn't know it was growing at this rate.”

A frown creased Celestia’s face, and for one heartbreaking moment it almost revealed the centuries of weariness that had seeped into her bones.

“...I guess you could say I’ve been quite the busy pony too.”

With a surge of color from her horn, Twilight used her magic to take a teacup from Chasset’s grasp. Though she brought it up to her lips, she did not drink just yet. Instead, she stared at the wisps of steam curling up from the brew like snake tails. It was better than seeing the desolation that had eclipsed her teacher’s face.

“That’s quite alright, Princess, if things have been difficult for us in Ponyville, I can't imagine what it's been like for you and Luna here.” She paused a moment to blow on her cup.

“And I’m sorry, but I couldn't rightly tell you where they all come from. Many I've dealt with said they were from Detrot, while few others said Manehattan. If you'd like to know more than that, you'd have to ask Mayor Mare. I'm sure she would know better.”

“I think I'll do just that when all of this business with the Landsmeet is over and done. A visit to Ponyville is long overdue. Besides, I think getting out of Canterlot and breathing in the sweet country air will do this old mare some good. Heck, it would do Luna some good too.”

Twilight broke into a wide, head splitting grin. It had felt like ages since Celestia last graced Ponyville with her presence. There was a silent squee of joy ringing in her head.

I can take her by that new Saddle Arabian restaurant on Brooks Street. Hmm. I'm sure it'll be nothing quite new to a worldly pony like Celestia, but it should still knock her socks-

Twilight’s train of thought derailed suddenly. The second half of what Celestia said finally clicked. Suddenly the Princess of Friendship was feeling a touch clammy, despite how cool the study really was. And was Twilight fidgeting now? Hadn't the seat been comfortable only a minute earlier.

“Um… Princess?”

Celestia took a sip from her own cup, it’s ivory body almost mirroring that of Celestia’s, and peered at Twilight over it’s lip. “Hmm?”

She could've been commenting on the cup of tea.

Twilight glanced sideways, noticing Chasset in the far corner of the room. The maid was watching the two of them with shimmering eyes. When Twilight brought her attention back to Celestia, she felt a touch more composed.

“How has Luna been doing? Okay, I hope. I'd heard that she has been rather scarce around the castle, but you know how ponies like to talk.” The teacup had began to revolve in a slow circle as Twilight spoke. It stopped, and now she took an attentive sip. The brew was strong and rich. A shiver of delight ran up Twilight’s spine.

“Yes… scarce…” Celestia glanced at Chasset and gave her a polite nod. Chasset started, covering her mouth to mask the little squeak that nearly escaped her lips. Returning the nod, the maid went for the door and was gone in an instant. Celestia resumed once they were alone again.

“Many problems have arisen since we last saw one another, Twilight, as you well may know. Problems that have demanded nearly every ounce of mine and Luna’s attention and time. I've done my best to juggle the weight of my responsibilities, as well as keep a public face.” Celestia hesitated, then chuckled.

“With my absence from Ponyville, I'm sure you probably don't see it that way. I promise you, though, I've done my best to show the rest of Equestria that not only am I dealing with major issues, but am on top of them. With Luna… well… that's a bit of a different story.”

Princess Celestia drained half of her cup, all the while favoring the canvass painted hanging on the far wall behind Twilight. It was a portrait of Luna.

Speak of the devil, and she’ll hang from your wall, Celestia mused.

“She was never found of public appearances. Though she's been better after having met you and your friends, I can still sense some of that unease inside her. My sister is a doer, you see, not a speaker. Once the mounting responsibilities started to pile up, Luna found it easier to dive into it headfirst. That, Twilight, is my sister.”

But if only it were true! If only I knew what Luna was really up to…

Twilight shifted in her seat. Celestia could tell that something was bothering her old student, but decided not to press on the matter. Twilight had more than earned Celestia’s trust. If she felt she needed help, Celestia was sure Twilight would come to her for it.

With a few well placed questions, Celestia was able to steer the conversation back to Ponyville. Her heart lusted to hear more of either the small housing units popping up around town, the restaurants serving foreign cuisine, or of the newly constructed Golden Oak library - this one was just a regular two story building, no where near as peculiar as its predecessor.

Once more, Student talked and Teacher listened. Hours could've passed and neither would have seemed to notice. Enthralled they were, Celestia with talk of Ponyville and Twilight with the expression of rapture on her teacher’s face. Never before had she held someone’s attention so strongly - most of the time when she prattled on, her friends would go glossy eyed instead of starry.

They probably could've went on till the vale of night fell if it wasn't for the interruption of a mighty chiming. Twilight jumped in her seat and twisted around to peer at the old grandfather hunched in the far corner. The clock’s age was only matched by his height, his head rising to nearly touch the ceiling. The pendulum that quietly swung in his chest could've been the size of a guillotine.

First I forget about Philomena, and then the old father? Twilight scolding herself. If they were snakes then they would've bitten you a thousand times by now.

“My my my,” Celestia exclaimed. “Would you look at that. Can't believe it’s nearly time.”

“Time?” Twilight echoed. She glanced at the window. A dawning realization struck her upside the head like a mallet. Outside, the wide, blue skies had turned into bright gold.

“Oh… it’s the afternoon…”

Celestia nodded.

“I should really be getting back to my friends,” Twilight said suddenly. She rose and Celestia did the same.

“And I should be finding my sister. It is time for my day to end, and her night to begin.”

A hint of warmth flowed into Twilight’s cheeks. Every mention of the princess of the night made Twilight think about the package in her luggage. The book and the note.

“Will you give Luna my regards? I'd… I'd very much like to see her before the Landsmeet… if she has the time…”

Celestia had been pained to leave her student, but this brightened her a good deal. “I will, and I hope you will give my best to your friends as well. We’ll see each other again soon, Twilight, but for now I wish for you to simply enjoy your time in Canterlot. You may find things rather… hectic when the Landsmeet commences.”

“Thank you, Princess Celestia.” Twilight now grinned, her heart fluttering at the thought of the coming week. “I'm very much looking forward to my time here.”

Celestia smiled, but her spirit sank at Twilight's words.

I hope you still feel the same a week from now, my dearest Twilight. I hope you do.

Twilight descended upon Canterlot, swaddling it in sweet, unbroken dreams. This is how most nights were in Canterlot. Nary a single pony found restless sleep while under the watchful turrets of Canterlot.

As with anything, however, there were exceptions: a single light burning in the window at the tower of the scholars, a bed laid barren somewhere in the lower district - its owner was standing in the doorway of an empty bedroom, dreaming of the day her son returns from the far north. The most unexpected of these unfortunate few was that of Twilight Sparkle.

The young princess had thought the first night back in her old room would be a peaceful one, filled with nostalgia and fantasies of the coming week. It would be the first vacation she and her friends would have since before their confrontation with Terik.

“And boy howdy, do we deserve it,” Applejack had said with guffaw as the girls had readied themselves for Canterlot. Applejack wasn't one to complain, but she didn't need to. Everyone could see the circles ringing her eyes and the slight limp in one of her back legs - a wooden support had fallen on the poor girl during a barn raising a month prior, and the wound hadn't seemed to heal quite right.

And it wasn't just the hardworking farm pony who appeared worse for wear either. The dark circles were a trademark that each of the girls wore - except for the unnaturally energetic Pinkie Pie. It appeared that the pink party pony could make do with micro naps and large amounts of sugar alone.

Rarity had burned herself out multiple times in the time of Ponyville’s reconstruction, the color of her magic draining into a sickly grey. Rainbow Dash’s vitality had begun to fail her as cramps began to riddle her body during long hours on the weather patrol, and Fluttershy seemed to whittle away from sleep deprivation alone as injured and homeless animals from the destroyed habitat flocked to her cottage.

However, all that was to change once they were in Canterlot. They would take a week, nourish that fun-loving part of themselves that had become so malnourished as of late, then head into the Landsmeet with full hearts and smiling faces.

And yet, there was something amiss during this first night in Ponyville.

Why am I so restless? I'm tired to my very soul, so why can't I just sleep? Twilight churning like the sea between her sheets. The moon was pregnant tonight, and it gave birth to rays of light that almost could've given the sun a run for its money. The window to Twilight's bedroom was open, allowing these children of the night to peek in and illuminate her room with their gaze.

Twilight turned on one side and stared at the picture on her nightstand. The smiling faces of her parents shone back at her, showering Twilight with a love so depth, that the young mare might drown in it if she continued to look at them for too long. She turned again, this time facing the ceiling.

That thought returned again now, echoing from the roof of her skull and to the floor of her thoughts. Why can't I just sleep?

When she still found no answer, nor sleep either, she turned on her side one more time. It was now the moon she stared at, round and full against the canvass of the dreary sky. Not a cloud out tonight it seemed. A gust of wind sighed through the open window and jostled the curtains. There were other sounds fluttering around tonight. Most prominently was what came at the foot of Twilight’s bed, where the unicorn could hear the faint snoring of a baby dragon. Just as the princess had taken up her old bed, Spike did the same with his wicker basket - it had pleased the both of them to see the old room kept just as they had left it.

A small, selfish part of Twilight wanted to wake her assistant and tell him about the ill thoughts plaguing her waking mind, for she now knew perfectly well what was keeping her awake. If only it was possible to sleep the worry away.

Twilight closed her eyes. How cruel the darkness beneath her lids were, to be so close yet to still deny her reprieve. After a time of staring into that abyss, an imagine began to form. It was faint at first, appearing more like the burn when one stared too long at a light bulb, but it solidified quickly.

Twilight’s breath hitched in her throat as she saw Celestia’s face. How clearly she saw her, those features cut from ivory stood out against the field black. How clearly she saw the distress buried beneath shimmering eyes and thin lips.

It was the face of a pony floundering beneath the weight of the world.

But the princess is fine. This time the thought really did echoed. There's no doubt she's stressed of course, but she on top it. She has to be. Celestia is… well, she's Celestia!

A snort of laughter…

Twilight's eyes flew open at the sound and she was sitting upright in an instant. She glanced frantically to the right, seeing nothing but the coffee table and the book upon it. Even in the dark, the gemstones studded the books’ cover to glimmered.

“Spike?” Twilight spoke low, afraid to jostle the silence. “Spike, did you hear that?”

The only response Twilight received was another soft snore. The young princess sighed. I swear by the sun and moon, Spike could sleep through a tornado. As Twilight next looked left, her jaw fell into a limp gape.

“Hello, Twilight Sparkle.”

The moon had appeared quite big tonight, certainly more swollen than its usual girth. Yet, Twilight hadn't expected it big enough to hold a resting pony. And yet, now it did. Perched atop the milky globe was a mare cut from the same ebony cloth that swaddled the kingdom. Her coat was a teary blue, sparkling with starshine, and her mane an ethereal cloud crashing down about her shoulder in waves.

The mare on the moon appeared quite amused. “You appear perplexed. We suggest you not gape so, for the night air is warm and full of bugs. Would be most unkind if one was to find its way down your throat.”

“M-My apologies!” Twilight's mouth closed quickly and with an audible click. She continued to stare for a moment longer, unsure if she should trust her eyes, when something dawned on her. “I'm… I'm asleep, aren't I?”

As the tiny smile on Luna’s face grew, Twilight sighed in relief. “I am asleep. Thank goodness! Thought for a moment that I might have been going insane.”

“Nay, Twilight, you are sane.” Luna tittered at this. “Or at least as sane as anypony else these days.”

That laughter was refreshing, like a chilly rain on a scorching summer day. After a moment Twilight couldn't help but giggle herself, if anything at her own silliness. Then a thought occurred to her.

“Well, then I must have I finally fallen asleep,” Twilight mused. Her relief slowly turning into speculation as she continued to stare at the mare on the moon. “But wait a second, why are you here?”

“Why, to greet you of course! It would be horribly improper to completely ignore our friend’s arrival back into Canterlot.”

Twilight couldn't help but find the princess’s jovial air infectious. She laughed again. The Spike at the foot of her bed snorted loudly and rolled over in his basket.

Twilight had become a bundle of nerves and anxiety at the thought of meeting Luna. All of that was forgotten now as she rose from those scarlet sheets and crossed the room to the window. She reared up on her hind legs and propped herself up on the windowsill. Luna was so close now that Twilight might've been able to swipe at her with a wingtip.

“I mean, why are you here, in my dream? You didn't have to trouble yourself with finding my dreams, did you? I was actually going to try and see you sometime tomorrow, either around sunrise or sunset.”

Another warm titter. “On the contrary, it's no trouble at all. Just imagine this a brief visit as we make our way to the office. At least this way we needn't wake you.”

“I appreciate that,” Twilight said warmly. “It took a while for me to fall asleep.”

Luna’s smile curdled a touch with unease. “We noticed. Turning and churning like a wave, so you were… at least, that's what our mother would have said.”

“Oh, yeah…” The younger princess turned her face away from the moon, hoping that the heat burning in her cheeks wouldn't show in the low-light. She had no doubt that Luna might sense her unease anyways. This was, after all, her domain.

“You saw that, huh?”

“Aye, we did.” Luna sounded almost sorrowful. She shifted atop her perch, the luminescent globe suddenly becoming uncomfortable. “We understand you must be wary around us, Twilight Sparkle. On top of all the responsibilities inherited by your role, the message I sent months ago must have been even more... weighing…”

As Twilight dipped her face back into the cool waters of the moon, it was now Luna who needed to look away. Though her shame burned just a fiercely as Twilight's embarrassment, Luna bore her stripes and met the younger princess’s gaze.

“But you must remember, there is always solace to be had within dreams. All you need to do is but ask. Even Starswirl, the stubborn old goat he was, needed aid in wrestling sleepless nights --though he rarely said so aloud.”

Luna spoke her next words in a hush that neared a whisper. “It would pain us greatly to see the weeds of such a beautiful mind fester.”

“I promise, I'm quite alright. There has been so much on my mind recently, but... I can honestly say that I’m started to feel at ease.”

Twilight chuckled. “I think it's going to take a day or two before I get use to not having an issue in front of me to tackle, but I'm sure I'll adapt quick enough.”

Luna appeared doubtful. There was something in the mare’s voice that couldn't quite be convinced. However, she wouldn't press Twilight if she felt like keeping her own council. Not tonight anyways, there was way too much to be done.

“Just remember that you do not stand alone, Twilight Sparkle, but with ponies who think most highly of you. Remember.”

“I will…”

Luna nodded primly, satisfied by the thoughtful expression upon Twilight’s face. With the silence now between them, the mare on the moon drew in a breath and sighed.

“Our time draws to a close, sadly. There is quite a bit of business to tend to in the land of dreams. We look forward to meeting with you, either tomorrow or the day after.”

Then, with that mischievous smile, she added, “And in person as well. There is much we have to talk about.”

The heat returned to Twilight’s cheek. “You mean-” she threw a glance to the book resting on a table a half a room over, the book with the double edged sword on it’s cover. “-that, don't you?”

“Aye.” Luna’s eyes flooded with moonlight. “There are things at work all around us, dearest Twilight, and it's about time we became acquainted with it all. But in regards to that, it's best that we wait a day or so more. At the current moment, there is no great rush. ”

Twilight wasn't sure why, but tinkle of ice had traced it's way up her spine. Perhaps it was how Luna’s eyes flickered with that pale light, or maybe it was the way her voice fell. It had become deep and… sultry? It reminded her of a rolling thunderhead before a mighty storm.

Twilight’s mouth opened, as if to speak, but it was as if glancing at that book had wrought upon all the nervousness that had so needled at her excitement. Suddenly words failed poor Twilight.

Thankfully, Luna was never one for lengthy departures. She gave the younger mare a smile -the tender kind that contradicted her ominous tone- and spoke only once more.

“Pleasant dreams, Twilight Sparkle.”

With those words, Twilight watched as the surface of the moon began to ripple. The young princess was reminded of the smooth face of a pond as a stone came crashing down upon it. A second later, the mare lounging atop the moon began to slowly sink into the milky globe.

Twilight gaped, utterly flabbergasted, and meant to cry out. Already half of the princess was gone, sunken into whatever depths lay within the moon. Luna gave a final wink just as the last of her was swallowed, her mane trailing after her momentarily before it too dipped out of sight.

There was no telling how long Twilight stood at her window, staring slack-jawed and cow eyed at the moon. She half expected Luna’s head to peek out of the thing, grinning like a smug loon.

There was one last shiver before Twilight tore herself away from the window. Her legs felt wobbly for a moment and she feared that they might not hold her. They did, however. They held Twilight as she went to Spike and patted his head -even in her dreams, it warmed Twilight’s heart to see him snoring and kicking like a tired puppy. Twilight’s legs even held her as she jumped up onto her bed.

Twilight didn't even try crawling back between the comfort of her sheets. She felt just as restless now, in this dream, as she did in her waking body. Sitting and brooding, her gaze longed to drift over to the table where that damnable book, with it's just as damnable letter, lay. Never before had there existed a tome that invoked such disdain and unease in the book hungry Twilight Sparkle.

It's no use. Even if I wanted to read it, which I don't, it's not like I would be able to make any of it out while I'm here. More than likely I'll open the thing and find a jumbled mess of ink on the pages.

Not wanting to look at the book or look at the moon, Twilight did the only thing she could think of. She let her eyes flutter close. There were no images of Celestia this time, smiling with that awful forlornness that didn't quite shine through all the way, but instead it was her friends that Twilight saw. Memories of the massive dinner held for them after their arrival trickling into her mind.

Twilight had enough to wonder if one could dream within a dream before whatever magic Luna had to stabilize this dreamscape wore off. The inky darkness of her eyelids melted as her memories of last afternoon were painted over it. Suddenly the soft scent of lilac was replaced with the rich aromas of cooked food, and the disquieting silence broken by a hearty guffaw and ceaseless chatter.

Twilight was no longer seated upon her bed, but at the long table in the castle’s dining hall. Before her was the generous spread that she had already eaten once, but would do so again now -and with great pleasure. To her left Spike dug into a plateful of exotic gems greedily, and to her right Rarity chattered jovially. Somewhere further down the table, Applejack rocked and roared with laughter as Rainbow Dash grinned devilishly at her. Pinkie Pie could be heard on the other end yammering a mile a minute, stopping only occasionally to stuff her face with whatever confectionery she had loaded onto her plate.

The dream passed as a pleasant haze. Twilight wouldn't be able to remember the conversations she shared, nor the taste of the food she ate. What she would remember, what would be fresh in her mind as she woke and prepared for the dawning day, would be the beaming faces of her friends and their ringing laughter.

Even Luna would be proud of such a lovely dream.