Chapter 1
In the corridors of the dream world, everything was peaceful and serene as usual. Well, it would have been had the keeper of dreams not been so irritable on this fine night. As Princess Luna made her way through her usual nightly patrol, her metallic shoes stomped unusually loudly, while she occasionally shook her head in exasperation.
We cannot believe Our dear sister would have the gall to send us to Our room like-like some mere filly. As the thought once again resonated through her skull, she halted her gait and sighed. Maybe We did act a little hastily, but throwing the minotaur’s ambassador out of the dining room window was perfectly warranted. Those slanderous remarks, how could Celly let him say those things about our little ones?
Taking a moment for some calming breaths, a ritual she knew well, Luna took the time to review the nearby dreams in search of any potential nightmares. One of these dreams managed to distract her from her complaints, as it was very clearly different from the rest. Normally, each pony’s dream entrance consisted of a colourful door, adorned with that particular pony’s cutie mark. This final door possessed no such mark and even appeared to be made of mundane wood.
It took the Night Princess a moment to search her memory for the reason this door was so plain. How curious, it appears a griffon has graced Equestria with their presence, how wonderful. After taking further note of the door, the slightest ominous glow appeared to be seeping through the cracks. One who appears to be suffering a nightmare, what an excuse to visit.
With her usual conviction, she opened the door as she said, “let it be known, that the Princess of the night protects all beings within Equestria’s border. Even those who speak such heinous words.”
Upon stepping through the dream portal, Luna took a quick glance around, instantly knowing the area from numerous fond memories. Huh, it appears this griffon is visiting fair Ponyville. This town truly attracts all sorts.
The sounds of commotion coming from the other side of a few buildings, threw the Princess back into the moment. As her wings unfurled, she made her way to the area with a slightly stealthier approach than she had been travelling in the dream realm. This allowed her to be pleasantly surprised by what she witnessed. On the streets below, it appeared one of Pinkie’s legendary parties were taking place, with numerous ponies all clearly enjoying themselves.
Everything appears in order, but where is Our dreamer? Floating further overhead, it wasn’t long before the Princess’s eyes met the lone griffon. Ah there is our star, she doth seem happy enough. The griffon in question, was clearly a female and was coloured in a plain brown fur for her lion half, while her eagle half was coloured that of white.
On first glance, the griffon was clearly taking part with the party games, but on continued observation, it was obvious she didn’t truly enjoy what was happening. This was mainly because, at every turn the ponies she was attending the party with, appeared to be pulling various pranks on her and gathering in a group to laugh at her expense. Quite unfair, but not the worst as nightmares go. ‘Tis likely her pride has been marred by a similar real life experience.
As the dream progressed towards sugar cube corner and the pranks continued, Luna’s initial assessment of the dream proved to be inaccurate. This was mainly due to the final prank, that of a peculiar game of pin the tail on the pony. A game which sounds quite painful to be involved with. For the griffon it was immeasurably more so, seeing as she was steered in the wrong direction causing her to trip and fall.
This time, instead of grinning and bearing the laughter of each pony, her temper flared causing her to lash out verbally towards the other patrons of the party. That was until one particular individual, the element of loyalty Rainbow Dash, confronted her, causing the griffon to react much more nervously. The exchange became more and more heated between the two until the griffon said, “when you decide not to be lame anymore, give me a call.” She then turned and fled from the scene leaving a group of very angry ponies behind.
With no dreamer present, the party soon began to dissipate, giving Luna no choice but to follow the distressed bird on her journey. The path she followed led to an isolated wooded area beside the local river, where the bird finally rested. She then took a moment to see if anypony was looking, before starting to quietly sob to herself.
Ah, and the crux of the nightmare is revealed. This young griffon likely fears the end of her friendship with Rainbow Dash. A most serious matter.