//------------------------------//
// Breaking Barriers 
// Story: The Journal of the Reunited Two Sisters 
// by AutoPony 
//------------------------------//

"Where should we go this evening?"

"Ah Ah. I chose yesterday, you get the honors today."

I stood there awkwardly as I tried to make up my mind, as my little sister leaned forward upon the tabletop in front of her.

"How about the gardens? It is a lovely evening," I suggested. A quick nod and grin was confirmation from Luna as she scooted out of her seat and onto her hooves.

"Lead the way," she said, beckoning me forward with an out-spread foreleg.

This had rapidly become one of my favorite parts of any day. Sometimes we would do it in the morning - other occasions, like tonight, took place with my setting sun providing the backdrop. It did not matter; for at least one hour, everything else faded away, and it was just us.

Siblings.

Spending what little time that existed between shift changes was not enough time to really have a good conversation, to unwind and let our thoughts flow freely. So, rather than just a short pause between our respective turns presiding over the kingdom, at least once each day we allowed ourselves a break to spend time together. It worked better than I had hoped, for I feared even in the lull of the morning or evening, tasks would quickly pile up.

Of course, had I really stopped and thought about it, I had been taking care of Equestria during the days and left the throne absent during the night for many years. It had hardly ever been an issue. 

I had offered to spend every evening with my sister after a day's work, but Luna had insisted that we alternate, to make it fair. She was concerned that I would be more fatigued due to the hectic schedule I often dealt with during my duties. But to the contrary, I found our time spent together to be rejuvenating.

Of course, the fresh air certainly helped. Even with the windows wide open, the air inside the castle was always stagnant.

"So, you certainly seem full of energy this evening. I assume today went well?" Luna inquired.

"It was oddly calm today, yes," I replied, thinking back over the events. Truth be told, today had been overwhelmingly dull by my standards. Though with the end of the month near, paperwork and reports would be filling my days all too soon. "I would expect much of the same for you this evening. I left nothing outstanding that needs your attention right away."

"My word, that is unlike you to finish everything up," Luna teased. "I suppose if nothing else, I can continue trying my hoof at dream exploration."

"How is that going? I've been meaning to ask, but it's slipped my mind for whatever reason."

"Slow, unfortunately," Luna lamented, as the two of us reached the outdoors. In unison, we took a deep breath, relishing the fragrance of an Equestrian summer evening. "I should have expected as much, but I still find myself rather discouraged by the lack of success thus far."

"I know it's easy to get discouraged, but I'm sure once you did... whatever you did - again, you'll get it down pat," I said, trying to raise her spirits.

"It is just so frustrating because I can sense the portals, or doors- I suppose it matters little how we refer to them - and if I focus on one in particular, I can make the entrance appear. But the ability to open it and pass through has eluded me thus far. It is quite maddening when all it should take is a simple push."

Minding the stairs that led to the gravel path we would be following, I stared at my sister, blinking a few times. At any moment I expected her to break into a smile, for it sounded to me like she had made great progress. Yet her expression remained rather dour, even as she noted me fixed on her.

"Is there an issue?" she asked warily.

"Luna, you don't think being able to sense more than one path into others' dreams is progress? It's only been a few weeks, that sounds quite the accomplishment to me!"

"You believe I am setting my expectations too high, I assume?"

"Too high for such a short period of time, yes," I quickly clarified. "You need to keep in mind that, as far as I know, you are the only one to have done such a feat that you accomplished. So it most certainly is a complex task."

"Nevertheless, I have no inclinations of giving up, Tia," Luna replied, her pessimism dying away as she offered a smile. "But while we are on the subject, have you had any reoccurrence of your nightmare since the night in question?"

I shook my head. "Nope, I've been completely nightmare free, thanks to you. I can't remember the last time I've slept so well."

"You have been having other nightmares previous to this particular incident?"

"No, it's just... well, we don't face the same situations as years ago where our concerns were more grave, such as the specter of war looming between various groups, but there are still items from time to time that have kept me up at night. That's all."

"I see you have not changed much in all these years, taking your duties with you to bed," Luna said, an odd mix of light-hearted poking and sympathy carried in her voice. "But have you not had advisors or somepony you can confide in to ease your mind through the years?"

Internally, I found myself cringing at her question, finding this topic to be getting less and less uplifting. Apparently, I had a reaction physically, as Luna was quick to backtrack.

"I do not mean to pry, sister. I am merely attempting to make constructive conversation," she spouted.

Both of us stopped next to an expansive flowerbed, coincidentally filled with my sister's favorite - lavender. I stared down, watching as a slight wind began a waving rhythmic dance amongst the plants, easing back and forth in a carefree manner.

"I suppose it was not by chance this patch of lavender exists in the garden nearest your window?" Luna commented, her gaze rising to the castle.

"No, it was planned. It was the first thing planted here in Canterlot, I made sure of it," I replied, still fixed upon the sea of purple before me.

I do not know how long I stood there in silence, just staring. My mind flashed back to many a sleepless night, some just days after our confrontation, others many years afterward. Not all were caused by the same thought running through the mind - many were as I described, difficult decisions that my royal title forced me to make. But they often led to the same place, and led me to this spot.

In the early years of our rule, Luna had been - as I have mentioned before - the voice of logic and reason when we faced a problem. I was more often than not the voice of emotion, yearning for fairness, of justice, of harmony. 

Perhaps those two viewpoints sound like oil and water, yet the two of us made it work, time and time again. Certainly, we had our heated moments, but sooner or later cooler heads would prevail, and a compromise composed of both our viewpoints would form.

The years after Luna's exile were difficult to adjust as a result. I didn't have the balance I had been so used to, nor did I have my confidant.

It was an on and off battle for a long, long time. 

I had lost a part of myself.

"Sister, if you are not ready to talk, I understand," Luna said quietly, breaking me from my trance. I turned to her, finding her teal eyes swimming with concern as she studied me.

I took a deep breath and nodded my head. "Another time, Luna, thank you."

"I sense there is quite a bit of turmoil that has built up within over these years. All I ask is you promise me you will release it to us at some point, when you feel it is most appropriate. Learn from my mistake, do not bottle it up."

"I promise, sister. Stop fretting over me," I replied, offering her a smile as consolation for my hesitance. In turn, she perked up a bit, though I could still tell she was worried about me. Both of us moved onward from the flower patch, down the path that led towards various decorative statues and shrubs.

"I must say I never expected to see such lush greenery around the castle, Tia. I never took you for a pony with a green hoof," Luna teased.

"You know my earth pony skills are sorely lacking," I chuckled, much to my sister's delight. "No, this was a cumulative effort from many ponies over the years. It started out with just the patch of lavender that I had planted and has grown from there. As Canterlot has grown, the garden has expanded in the same way, balancing nature with architecture."

"That was something we never had to worry about in our former residence," Luna mused with a slight smirk.

"No, the Everfree Forest made sure of that. Its ferocity was helpful in defense from would-be raiders in those early days, but it did lack manners."

"That it did, sister," Luna giggled. Abruptly, her laughter fit ceased as her eyes fell upon something unexpected just ahead of us. "That cannot be what I think it is."

"What?" I asked, confused by her sudden shift in mood. As she trotted forward at a brisk pace, I followed her gaze to one of the more curious statues to adorn the garden. "Ah, that."

I reached Luna's side as she stood before the subdued grey statue. Standing roughly the same height as me, the subject was that of a draconequis, caught in the last moments of a hard fight but inevitable defeat. Its face was twisted in a combination of anger and horror, both a fearsome display and an ominous warning.

Though not many ponies would pick up upon the latter.

"Is this actually-"

"Yes, it is genuine, Luna," I interrupted. "You don't approve?"

"Why in Equestria would you put Discord on display?" she demanded, her voice betraying more than a hint of disapproval.

"Well, he didn't object to the idea," I joked, much to Luna's surprise. Her attention was drawn to me at once as I tried my best to stifle a laugh. She did not seem as amused.

"You are aware of the serious consequences were he to return to normal and run rampant upon the world, yes?" she asked sternly.

"Of course I am, Luna. What better way to keep an eye on him than have him on display for everypony to see?" I suggested.

"Perhaps seal his petrified form away in a cell. Or destroy the statue and scatter the remains to the four corners of Equestria?"

"You know as well as I do locking him away would do nothing - our magic cannot contain him if the Elements' magic were to give up," I replied. "And while your other suggestion could solve the currently nonexistent issue permanently, that sounds rather harsh, don't you think?"

Luna could not contain herself as she scoffed at my rebuttal. "Do you not remember the insanity he brought upon the land? The endless chaos for - and I quote - 'a little fun'?"

"Yes, and I also recall that while his antics were out of control, he never brought harm to anypony. I understand what you're saying sister, I am not ignoring your concerns. But there is a fine line between justice and cruelty, is there not?"

While not overly thrilled with my reasoning, Luna took a deep breath and nodded. "I must admit, you do have a fair point. But I still fear what would happen were he to return, Tia."

"But what makes you think he will?" I asked, rather absent-minded at the moment.

Luna cleared her throat, flaring out her expansive periwinkle wings for display as her teal eyes locked onto me expectantly.

"Oh, right," I replied flatly, mentally facehoofing at my own vapidness.

"You even predicted that I would return, did you not? I spied a copy of the book Twilight Sparkle had perused in the library shortly before the events transpired."

I shook my head forlornly. "No, I don't know who wrote that," I said, biting my lip as the story flooded back into my memory. Twilight had brought the legend back into the forefront of my mind with her letter the day I made the decision to further her studies. The book she had found was in fact very old, at least a few centuries. Yet it was still many, many years after the events had taken place. 

After that day so long ago, one could understand I was reluctant to discuss what had happened. As a result, the ensuing generations began to forget as their parents did not pass on the history, or the tale was skewed with embellishments to enhance the story. Certainly, the basic story remained the same, albeit making my sister the villain and exonerating me of blame.

As well as adding on the thousand year prophecy.

"Tia?"

Again I had zoned out; as I snapped back to reality I found Luna looking up at me. Just the sight of her - my little sis - began to crumble the dam within me. I could not hold back any longer as I became aware I was slightly trembling.

"I don't know who wrote that Luna," I repeated quietly, my voice matching the unsteadiness of the rest of me. "Because I thought-"

I couldn't bring myself to finish my sentence, and as I choked back the first sob, the cascading torrent within me finally smashed through what was left of my resolve. I dropped to the dusty ground in a heap as the tears began to flow freely, my head hung low as I shut my eyes tightly.

"Sister, do not hold back any longer. You need to let this out. Set it all free," I heard Luna goad, almost pleading with me. I became aware of a tingling sensation, suffused through the air before piercing my entire form. Just a quick glance of the floor told me Luna had teleported us to somewhere private, as the familiar rug in the center of my room lay underneath me.

"I thought you were gone forever, Luna," I managed to slip out between gasps. "I'm sorry, it's just so selfish of me."

"Tia, no," Luna pleaded, as I sensed her move to my side and lay down. In an instant, her wing was draped over me in comfort. "That's not selfish, why would you think that?"

"I did it to you, I sent you away," I argued, tears making a mess of my face as they saturated my fur. "I could have done something else - I should have tried something else, seeing what the Elements of Harmony have done to the opposition in the past. Then all I could think about was me, how much I missed you, how much I needed you. All about me."

"Stop it," Luna scolded. Her hoof slipped underneath my chin, directing my head to turn towards her. Through my blurred vision, I could see she was upset with what I had to say.

"Is it not true? How can I think all of that when I was the reason you were gone?"

"I didn't give you a choice, Celestia. I understand what you are trying to say, but you did what was best for Equestria as a whole. You were not thinking of yourself in that moment, you were thinking of the ponies you swore to protect," Luna explained, her own voice beginning to waver. "I recall you trying to reason with me, but I certainly was not of sound mind at that point. I had already made up my mind, I was going to... I was set on being rid of you."

I could not argue with her on that aspect. Even today I can vividly recall that look in her eyes - even before she changed. There was no warmth contained within them, no love.

Just cold determination. Determined to overcome the obstacles that lay before her, to reach a goal beyond I don't believe she knew or understood. 

I was nothing but a barrier that needed to be destroyed.

Yet, in that moment I was torn. The mindless ambition, the absolute insanity that lay within her desire for eternal night could not be allowed. Just as the sun cannot hold its place in the sky permanently, neither could the moon. Not without grave consequences that would affect all life in the world.

"Celestia, whatever you are thinking, talk to me. I do not care whether you think you may offend me or hurt my feelings, you need to let it go," Luna pleaded, herself in tears now as I focused my eyes upon her. "Please."

"I didn't want to hurt you, sis. I was so scared of what you might do, but I didn't want to harm you," I blubbered. "But it was like you were somepony else - possessed by somepony else. The malice in your eyes, the anger that you expelled - you did not have the same reservations. I couldn't stop you by myself, because I wasn't willing to risk what may happen if I were to match your strength."

Luna looked nauseated by what I had to say, but she nonetheless nodded her head, urging me onward as she wiped her eyes with her other wing.

Of course, this train of thought had lost its brakes, and it wasn't going to be stopped until it ran out of steam even if I wanted.

"The Elements of Harmony were the only thing I could think of using. I just remember praying to the mystical energy within them, to anything - anyone - that would listen, to just stop you without hurting you. And then..."

"Then I was gone," Luna finished for me. I could only nod as a fresh stream of tears flooded my eyes. I didn't need to see anything, for my mind was replaying in vivid detail the events as I described them, burned into my head for eternity.

"I regretted it right away. I don't know what else I could have done, but I wish I had never done that. I saw what happened, I saw your fate decided as the Elements worked their magic. I watched the moon change, watched the shadow grow over it. I just -"

"You have never discussed this with anypony, have you?" Luna asked.

"No, I didn't dare. Nopony could understand what I had to do, and as word got out across the land, I was hailed as - they celebrated me. How does one even begin to try to argue against something like that? How do you refute a claim everypony is so dead set upon, sister?" I asked, almost demanding an answer from her.

"I don't...I don't know," she replied, the slightest hint of fear in her voice at my reaction.

"I refused to talk about it, Luna. I vehemently opposed any sort of celebrations, mentions of it in my presence. Because I could not stand to hear it, hear you being remembered like that. I just hoped one day - somehow - you would come back. But the Elements - they just seemed to die, they lost all energy and magic within them. Weeks turned into months, months into years..."

"You never forgot about me?"

Luna's question caused me to drop all thoughts from my head, clear of all the turmoil that had been festering for so long. I couldn't even begin to form an answer for an inquiry like that. In that instant, I rolled onto my side, grabbed her lithe form and just squeezed her tight. 

"Eeep!" Luna squealed in surprise.

"Luna, I would never forget you. I cannot even begin to fathom what you went through, nor do I want to undermine your plight. But this whole time, all these years - I just wanted to go back. All I wanted to was to undo what I did, before that night, go back and fix everything. This wait was just... it never really got easier. Only distractions from the thoughts kept the pain away."

Both of us just lay there in dead silence, just holding each other. Only the occasional sniffle or deep breath from one of us broke the overwhelming quiet. What was there to really say? I'd waited so long to have her back, I had tried to steel myself away from all these sorrows and regrets. I suppose in a way, I had forgotten how much it all hurt because it had become normal. I was used to it.

With my little sis back, experiencing this high I did not know would ever come, I came to recognize how deep the abyss within me had burrowed.

Yet, how does one even begin to describe something like I experienced to somepony? How do you explain a wait that long to somepony, who can never understand or feel that long of a wait? For most, ten years feels like an eternity. That length of time, with my seemingly-endless age and experience, was naught but an afternoon.

But in this moment - being together again, sharing the pain, draining the sorrows that I had accumulated - time seemed to no longer flow. I have not the slightest idea how long my little sister and I just held each other. It was only the nagging sensation of my celestial body eager to rest for the night that broke up our embrace.

"I suppose it is time to switch our places for the night, Luna," I said quietly. With reluctance, I pulled myself away from her, taking note of the damp fur upon my chest, and upon Luna's face. She did not seem enthused about the abrupt end either, but nonetheless nodded with a serene smile.

Pushing open the doors to the balcony with my magic, I slowly rose to my hooves and plodded out into the evening air once again. A gentle nudge to the setting sun allowed it to gracefully slide below the horizon, as my sister came to stand beside me. A blue aura graced her horn as she focused upon an unseen object, before the moon gradually rose up over the landscape.

The reprieve from our emotions for those few moments allowed both of us to regain some semblance of composure. But reliving the past and talking about it left me feeling extremely fatigued, mentally and emotionally.

"I suppose, I should head down and begin my watch over the night. Unless you would prefer me to stay," Luna said, cautious in her approach as she eyed me warily.

"I think I'm ready for some sleep. Thank you, Luna," I replied quietly, leaning over to nuzzle her. "I feel exhausted, but I feel as if I've had a burden lifted from me."

"That is good to hear. I know you're afraid of undermining what I went through, but you do not need to fear such a thing. I know you went through a lot as well, and by the sounds of it, you need to get it out for closure as well. If you desire, we can continue discussion in the morning."

I nodded as both of us stepped back into my room proper, Luna continuing onward toward the door as I paused before my bed.

"I wish you pleasant dreams, sister. Get some rest," she said with a calm smile, before heading out into the hall, closing the door behind her.

I didn't need to be told twice. Without bothering to pull back the covers, I flopped onto my bed, and before long, sleep carried me away.





Flight is something I do not get to experience often, though much of that is due to my own fault. Believe it or not, even as a diarch of Equestria, I am a bit self-conscious. While many would probably consider the sight graceful, I just tend to feel a bit awkward while flying, mainly due to my sheer size. Though I must admit, my expansive wings lend themselves to effortless, gliding flights.

To a lesser extent, my duties chew up much of my free time, though there are still occasions for relaxation that I dare not miss. The clearing skies after a thunderstorm on a summer evening is one of those opportunities.

It is a treat to all the senses; an ordinary occasion to most, yet simply divine when one really lets his or herself free of logical thought. The air cooled drastically by the cleansing rains, the scent of ozone in the atmosphere combined with the fragrance of foliage awakening, eager to quench its thirst, even the sun peeking beyond the passing gloomy storm clouds are a blessing few truly appreciate. For me, to experience this moment from the air, to watch my sun's rays brighten the landscape and reflect off the raindrops collected upon the earth, it is heaven.

So I found myself on this afternoon, gliding lazily among the scattering clouds as I indulged my senses. While long gone from the area, I could still hear the distinct growl of thunder off in the distance, a warning to not venture too far just yet, lest I desired to become a living lightning rod.

Even though my sister and I are extremely resistant to death - if death even is an option for us - we still feel pain. I cannot imagine being struck by lightning is pleasant, and I do not enjoy the prospect of tempting fate.

Luna and I did that enough in our youth when we realized our gift, playing some profoundly stupid games that offered equivalently stupid prizes.

But those are tales for another day.

"I must admit, I did not expect something so simple to be your heart's desire."

I nearly jumped out of my hide as Luna made her presence known to me. I turned my head to the left to see her smirking with mild amusement, even as I tried to get my heart rate under control.

However, laying my eyes upon her gave me yet another jolt to my circulatory system.

Luna looked like a harmonious merger between her normal self and Nightmare Moon. Her coat had darkened from periwinkle to an elegant navy blue, while her mane had become ethereal like my own. Yet while it had darkened considerably, it was illuminated untold numbers of twinkling pinpricks of light, an homage to the night sky she controlled.

"Luna, you-"

"I apologize, I could not help myself since you did not hear me, but you're dreaming Tia - a good dream - and yet here I am!" she shouted, oblivious to my staring.

"That's - I'm happy for you Luna, but what's with..." My mind reeling from so much at once, I could only motion with my hoof in the air, tracing from her head to her tail.

Perplexed by my stuttering, Luna's brow furrowed, before looking down at her hooves to take stock of herself. No sooner had she done so, a gasp escaped from her, accompanied by her eyes widening in surprise.

"By the gods, what happened?!" she exclaimed.

"You didn't do this? Or notice anything different?"

Luna shook her head in exasperation. "No, I didn't feel anything out of the ordinary. I certainly did not expect anything amiss; I'm not particularly habitual in looking upon myself. But I assume by the look you've given me that's not all that has changed. We must find a mirror."

No sooner had she spoke, a body-sized mirror appeared before both of us, duplicating and spreading outward and around. It took less than a second before we were completely encircled in mid-air.

"That's... er, convenient," I said. This dream had been full of surprises. 

"I think I'm beginning to understand how to work within dreams," she mused, partially entranced by her reflections as she posed. With every second that passed, her enthusiasm grew along with her grin. "Sister, you were not wrong to be taken aback by my appearance. I look positively stunning!"

I couldn't help myself as I rolled my eyes in response, even as I found myself involuntarily smiling. "Well, don't be so humble on my account, sis," I teased.

That managed to get a snort from Luna, as I noted both of us were no longer in the air. At some point, we had drifted down to the ground, a flat plain devoid of any features as far as the eye could see.

"I recall somepony else being quite enthralled by her sparkling, wavy mane long ago," she said, turning to me. She clutched her mane close to her with a forehoof as she batted her eyes, swooning back and forth "'Isn't it just so pretty, little sister?'" she said in a mocking, high pitched tone. "'Have you ever seen such a sight as this in your entire life? I look so regal, so dreamy!'"

"I do not sound like that!" I protested. Luna could only laugh as she dropped the charade.

"But you do not refute those were your words?" she replied with a smirk.

"I also recall some choice words out of you. Do you remember your response?"

Luna's brow furrowed as she searched her mind for the file in question. It's didn't take long before she began giggling to herself. "If I'm not mistaken, I referred to your mane as 'the aftermath of a late-night binge of crayons and glitter barfed up upon a canvas,'" she finally spoke, breaking out into a hearty, proper laugh. It was infectious, as I joined her fit of laughter.

Abruptly, my sister stopped, a light bulb going off in her head. "Tia, what if this -what if this is why my size did not go quite back to normal? Maybe this is what I am shifting toward?" she said with excitement.

"I... don't know," I replied, somewhat caught off-guard by her suggestion. "I suppose it's possible. But this could also be some sort of form you take exclusively in dreams. Have you noticed any other changes recently?"

My reply had put a damper on her enthusiasm, bringing her back to the ground, so to speak. "Perhaps you are right. Aside from my reduction in size you are aware of, the only other change I have noted is my eyes reverting back to their normal appearance," she said flatly.

I silently kicked myself for dashing Luna's hopes. There had been flashes here and there of the Luna I once knew, full of emotion and giddiness. But tonight had been a true, genuine callback to more carefree days. I stepped closer to her, beckoning my little sister to join me with open wings. Luna's mood picked up again, as she obliged my request for a hug and a tender nuzzle.

"Only time will tell, little sis. I just don't want you to fly too high, too soon," I explained to her. She nodded in understanding.

"Yes, I understand. But at least I seem to have a better grasp upon this new ability," she replied, her voice picking up a bit more cheer. Without another word, she glanced around the circle of mirrors, as one by one they dropped away into the ground, as the earth itself fell away, thrusting us back into the air. Even so, gravity did not seize either of us, as we continued to stand there.

"How? What did you have to do?"

"I... it is difficult to explain," Luna replied, her muzzle scrunched up as she wracked her brain for the right words. "It is almost as if it is an extension of me. Like I am using muscles within my body that I never knew existed. I was quite concerned with how your dreams may be fairing after tonight's discussion, I was absolutely set upon entering your dream. It was sudden - just an epiphany all at once."

"That is wonderful, sister. I'm happy to hear I was - albeit inadvertently - able to help," I said. "But I fell asleep quite soon after you left my room, and this dream has indeed been a pleasant one."

"It is a good sign for your emotional well-being, I would imagine. You did seem to be feeling better before I left, allowing yourself to spill all of that pent up sorrow. Though I see you are still quite reluctant to enjoy yourself in flight, aside from fantasy."

"Yes, you don't need to remind me," I replied sharply, feeling a bit awkward discussing it.

"I find it most surprising you have not gotten past that self-doubt," she said. "As I said long ago, you are the only one that sees something less than true grace in your looks while flying. Personally, I am in awe seeing you fly."

"Luna, stop, you aren't helping," I said, blushing profusely.

"Indeed, you have all the grace of a goose with an injured wing."

"Well thank y- Hey!"

With a mischievous bout of laughter, Luna tucked in her hooves and straightened her wings, diving away from me at breakneck speed

"Get back here, Luna!" I demanded, (mostly) playing along. As I prepared to pursue my sister, a pair of blue forelegs around my neck startled me as I let out a yelp.

"Oh, this is too much fun," Luna gushed, her mane sweeping over me as she circled around to face me. "But you know I merely jest, Tia. I would love nothing more than to enjoy a lazy flight with you one of these evenings. Perhaps we can get you feeling more comfortable one day."

"Thank you, Lulu. Here I am supposed to be helping you adjust back to life, and you keep finding ways to help me."

"Ah, there is a name I have not heard in ages," she said, amused. But her smile soon faded as her ears perked up. "I must apologize, but I hear my attending guard trying to get my attention."

"You can hear what's going on out there?" I asked.

"Indeed. As I have mentioned, it is an odd state of consciousness; not quite asleep, but not awake, either. I would love nothing more than to spend the rest of the night within your dream, but I am needed. Good night, sister."

"Good night, sister."

With one last wide grin, Luna disappeared in a flash of blinding light, leaving me once again in my own little haven. Perhaps even more so than before, as the ominous dark clouds of the storm that had passed over were now completely absent. Yet the after effects I so enjoyed were still just as prevalent, allowing me to enjoy myself without worry.

Though I suppose, now knowing it was a dream would have freed me anyways. But now, I relished the opportunity to see what was beyond the horizon.

Both in my dream, and the waking world.