Chapter 2
The next few days passed in short order. Luna’s evening routine was exceptionally consistent. She awoke about an hour before sunset and met Celestia for a light meal. While Celestia would usually have a full dinner, Luna was content to eat a simple breakfast. She quickly fell in love with the bowl of oats Celestia called oatmeal. Each evening she arrived at her and Celestia’s private dining room, a bowl already set for her, with a different fruit each day.
The sisters would then work together to change over the day for the night. Celestia, for the first few nights, had trouble not just doing it herself, as she had gotten used to over the past millennium. Nightmare only once had to step up and ask Celestia to please let her do her job.
After the night began, Celestia would retire to her room, ready for sleep. Luna would take a pot of coffee, a drink she learned of her first night back and instantly became enamoured with, back to her office to do some paperwork. She had agreed, after talking with Celestia, and some small help from Nightmare, to wait at least another week before resuming the night court. So, until then, she got to review paperwork, sign royal decrees, and, her favorite, watch over the dreams of Equestria.
Though she couldn’t bring herself to intervene in nightmares just yet, another thing Nightmare worked hard to steer clear of, she did what she could. When she did find a nightmare, which were, happily, very rare, she would use a small bit of magic to gently end it, and let a happier dream take it’s place.
For the most part, Nightmare kept to herself. Luna seemed, at least so far, able to handle herself. The few times she got dragged out were when something came up which didn’t fit with how Luna was remembering things. Once those moments passed, Nightmare slid back and made room for Luna again. With the rest of her time, she relaxed, and learned.
Though Luna may not have been paying attention to everything around her, Nightmare was. She studied how her guards talked when they thought she couldn’t hear. She tracked Celestia’s expressions as the sisters talked. And when she got the chance, she read everything in sight. She planned to, if she ever got the chance, request a few books on the mind, to try to figure out what had happened to Luna, and find a way to fix it.
As the week wound to a close, Luna was sat in her room, smiling softly as she read over the pages before her. Nothing very interesting, sadly, she thought idly, flipping through the pages. She continued flipping through them, barely taking them in, her eyes glazing over until a small tap came at her window. She looked up, slightly startled, staring at the scroll floating outside her window. I wasn’t expecting any mail.... was I? she puzzled, opening her window, letting the scroll float inside upon it’s own magic.
The scroll slowly floated to her desk, before the unseen magic released it, letting it fall to Luna’s desk with barely a sound. Luna stared at it, mildly confused-
Ah, this must be the letter Twilight sent Celestia. I take it she’s okay with the idea then.
-before she remembered that she was indeed expecting a letter. The first letter Twilight wrote to Celestia about friendship was indeed sitting upon her desk. The seal was broken, Celestia had clearly read it herself before sending it along to Luna. “Oh, right. I did say I would read these.” Luna lifted the letter in her magic, unfurled it, and began to read.
Well.... Nightmare thought to herself, reading along with Luna. She cares more about her friends than the Gala. They must have a strong friendship if she’s going to turn down her own chance at going.
I never thought anypony would care about their friends more than the Gala. There must be something wrong with her if she’s going to give up this chance, Luna thought, incredulously. I remember a time when ponies would go to war over whom they would be taking to the Gala... Poor Helen
They’ve grown, changed. Ponies, at least Twilight, don’t care about vanity or how others see them, but they do care about each other. Maybe she’s better than I gave her credit for. She did catch Celestia’s eye after all.
Luna shrugged, rolled up the letter, and, with a puff of light blue smoke, sent it back to Celestia’s room. She turned back to her papers, her smile returning. Well, the ponies of today may not make any sense, but these papers do, no matter how boring they are.
Nightmare found herself sighing. Luna, Luna, Luna... Are you ever going to stop assuming that the ponies have only gotten worse? They’ve grown, and become better. Nightmare shook her metaphorical head, sighing again. She took a moment before glancing back at what Luna was up to. More paperwork? Fine... Nightmare glanced around, trying to find anything more interesting to look at. But as Luna was focused on the paperwork, and the guards were silent, she quickly grew bored. Well, I’m bored. Let’s see if I can sleep.
Luna continued her work through the night, her small grin never leaving her face as she looked over page after page of numbers and documents. As the night wound to a close, Luna rose, yawning. “Time to change over the day with Tia,” she mumbled sleepily, slowly making her way to the sisters private dining room.
Luna found Celestia waiting for her, sleepily munching on a bowl of oats. “Morning Tia,” Luna mumbled, sitting down next to her sister.
“Morning Luna. I hope the night went well,” Celestia yawned, failing to stifle it with a hoof. “Did you enjoy Twilight’s letter?”
Luna slowly nodded as a bowl of oats was placed before her as well. She smiled before closing her eyes, her body slumping forward. Nightmare caught her head before it landed in the bowl, and slowly sat up. Looks like I can sleep... yay. She looked around, mildly smiling, until the sight of Celestia next to her stopped her mid yawn. Ohh.... Not good. Nightmare blinked, putting on a warm smile. “I’m sorry, Ce- Tia, what was that?” she asked, trying to sound and act normal.
“I was just about to say that you look tired. Was it a long night?” Celestia asked with a small chuckle, wrapping a wing around her little sister and pulling her closer.
Nightmare balked. She had no idea what Luna had been up to after reading Twilight’s letter. Scanning Luna’s memories quickly, she replied, “Mostly paperwork, sadly. Nothing very interesting. It was hard staying awake while reading some of that stuff.” Nightmare stifled a yawn, hoping it would add to the lie she was working. “You know, I think I might be ready to start my court back up soon, if it’s alright with you.”
“Ohh yes, well, are you sure?” Celestia asked, worried. “Some ponies come in quite angry. They keep themselves in check with me, but I’m worried they might lash out at you.”
Nightmare deadpanned at Celestia. “I’m not a child, sister,” she replied with real indignance. “I can handle a few irate ponies. I don’t need you codling me.”
At that, Celestia wilted. “Sorry, Lulu. I just don’t want you freaking out over a simple matter. I saw how upset you were when Sliced Pear didn’t call you Princess. I don’t want a repeat of that. Or worse.”
With a roll of her eyes, Nightmare chuckled. “Yes, well, I was tired. And while you may be comfortable with our subjects calling you by name only, but I will still ask for a measure of respect,” she added indignantly.
Celestia chuckled. “Very well. But, we’ve gotten off track. What of Twilight’s letter? Did you find it interesting?” Celestia asked again, smiling hopefully.
“Oh, yes. While I don’t know if most ponies would follow that young mare’s example, I am glad to see that at least some ponies value unity and friendship over vanity,” Nightmare replied honestly, a small smile touching her lips.
“Yes, more and more ponies are. They still care about appearances, but they’re willing to put those aside for those close to them,” Celestia replied, pulling her wing back. “Well, I think it’s time to change over the night to the day.”
Nightmare slowly nodded, standing slowly. I can do this. I’ve done it thousands of times before. Just have to feel it out, she told herself, following Celestia. After a short walk Nightmare found herself on a balcony with Celestia, the moon just setting off to the west, and the sun poking out over the horizon on the east. Celestia’s horn lit up as she began giving the sun to push to move it around for the day. Nightmare also lit her horn, stopping only as a brief thought to force the sun away flashed across her mind. With a shake of her head she dispelled the thought and set the moon to give way to the day. “Well Tia, I’m going to finish my meal, then turn in. Have a wonderful day.”
“Before you go, I was hoping to discuss one last matter with you,” Celestia replied after the retreating mare. Nightmare stopped and turned, an eyebrow raised. “A week ago I mentioned that I think you would do well to meet with Quiet Thoughts. She’s the royal psychologist. Her vacation is ending, and she will be returning to the castle tomorrow. I was hoping that you would meet with her soon.”
“And what exactly does a psychologist do?” Nightmare replied, curious.
“Well, much like how a doctor helps to solve problems of the body, a psychologist seeks to solve problems of the mind. Now, many times the problems have much more complex solutions, if any at all. But they do their best, and they help,” Celestia answered. She paused, considering her words before continuing. “I know this must be difficult for you, there is so much going on, and I thought it might be good for you to speak with her.”
Oh, if you only knew, dear sister. Nightmare tried to plaster a smile on her face, but her worry seeped through. “If you think it a good idea, sister, then I would gladly meet with her.” After much struggle, Nightmare was able to regain her fake smile. Need to work on it if it’s that easy to break. “Now, I must be going, Tia, I must sleep.” Celestia nodded as Nightmare left. Having made her way to the kitchen and retrieved her food, Nightmare returned to Luna’s room.
“Well, I’m awake,” Nightmare mumbled to herself, munching on her oats. With a glance inward, she found, to her surprise, that Luna was sleeping happily. Looking around, she determined nopony was in the room, and the only way somepony could look in was through the balcony. With a flash of her magic, Nightmare closed the blinds on the balcony, and locked the door. “After all, they think I’m asleep. I shouldn’t be bothered.” Nightmare stood, setting her bowl of oats down next to her. With a deep breath, she worked her magic, feeling at her body. With a smile she found the glamour that showed everypony else Luna, regardless of who was in control. With a content sigh, she undid the glamour, allowing her to see herself as she truly was, as tall as Celestia, her coat as black as the night sky, and her cutie mark, a splash of the same color as Luna’s coat, and a crescent moon.
That’s better, Nightmare though, sitting down on her bed. I only wish I didn’t have to hide. With a sad sigh, Nightmare replaced the glamour, a sad frown across her lips as her form changed.But I can’t risk it. Nopony can know of me. By all rights, I shouldn’t exist. Not to mention the panic seeing the real me would cause.
Nightmare relaxed onto the bed, her eyes glazing over. “But, I am here...” she mumbled to herself, staring at nothing. So, what’s going on? Let’s take a quick inventory. Again. Maybe I can figure out something new. Nightmare rose and began to pace. First, my plan went off without a hitch, everything went just how I wanted. The Elements got used on me, and put Luna back in charge. She’s even been accepted back into society So why am I still here? Nightmare’s brow creased as she began pacing faster. For the most part, she’s the one in charge. It’s been two weeks now, and I’ve had to take charge less than a dozen times. I only come out when something happens which differs from Luna’s ‘reality’. Well, there was that one time Celestia brought up what happened to our parents. Luna has to know they’re dead, so that shouldn’t have been a reality break. I wonder why that time? Oh, and the first time, when Celestia was about to reprimand Luna for insulting the staff.
And let’s see, when Celestia brought up the banishment, I was pulled out because Luna didn’t accept it as happening. That was the first major time. Then, after Celestia left, Luna regained control. Why that late, why not as soon as we moved past the banishment? Moving on, she either doesn’t notice the break in time, or her mind is crafting something to keep things smooth. Other than that, there were a few times when paperwork handled stuff before we returned. I guess whatever controls the split didn’t want Luna to even touch on that. The only other time I have gotten control is now, when Luna’s mind is asleep. I would assume any other time Luna’s mind isn’t active I take control.
Nightmare stopped to stare at her balcony. With a flash of magic she pulled the curtains open, and stared at the dawn sky. So, am I just here as a reserve, as a part to keep the reality of Luna’s mind from breaking? If so, why have me at all? Why is there a split? The mind is an amazing, powerful thing, but it acts for a reason. At some point, our subconsciousness, well, I assume our, I have no way of knowing if they’re separate... I guess I could try and see Luna’s dreams... but that’s redundant, I can either way... I’ll deal with that later. Wait, is this even the same Luna as from the moon? It doesn’t seem like it. The Luna on the moon with me, and before our banishment was aware of me, and incredibly depressed. This Luna is happy, almost all the time. She enjoys her work and does it with a smile, no matter what happens... This can’t be the same Luna, so what happened to that Luna?
Nightmare’s eyes grew wide with her revelation, her mind working twice as fast. If the old Luna is gone, where did she go? Has she been destroyed? Is the old Luna the whole, and this Luna and I are only pieces? Nightmare shivered. What happened to her? With a sigh, Nightmare slowly relaxed. I have no way of knowing. All I can do is try to make the best of what’s going on. At least I’m figuring out more about what’s going on.
Nightmare’s expression hardened as she began to plan. So, the Luna that exists now is in control most of the time. However, she doesn’t seem right. She’s always happy, but she’s ignoring a large portion of the world, of reality. But it’s not her choice, she’s being forced to only experience certain parts of it. So, is she only happy because she doesn’t experience anything that could cause other emotions? I’ll have to find out. Either I force Luna to accept pain as a part of life, or I know she can’t. I’m still left with the problem of why we exist though. Why didn’t Luna’s mind heal? Well, given the power of the mind, if it’s forcing Luna to only experience the good, then that’s its plan. But why? Why is it taking the good and sectioning it off from everything else? Nightmare looked up at her ceiling, trying to answer her own question. It was a few minutes before an answer came to her. Luna, before the split, was depressed, incredibly so. Even after the split, she stayed depressed, no matter how much I tried to cheer her up. What if this splitting of the mind is its attempt to be happy? What if Luna’s mind, the original one, shuffled us around after the elements hit, giving the new Luna all of the joy, to make sure there was joy? And if so, where does that put me? Am I just here to hold everything else? And what if Luna can’t hold anything other than joy? If the original Luna created her to always be happy, and used me to hold everything else, then can ‘Luna’ ever be whole? If she can’t, does that mean, for the sake of my own sanity, that I have to ‘heal’? And should I even be allowed to consider my own sanity?
Nightmare curled up on her bed, forcing herself to stop thinking. She was scared of the implications of what she had just thought of, and didn’t want to face them yet. Slowly, the black alicorn of the night fell asleep, forelegs around her hindlegs, tears slowly streaming down her cheeks.
It was a few hours later that Nightmare finally awoke. Groggily she sat up, yawning slowly. “That was a good nap.” Then Nightmare sighed. “I’m going to have to accept whatever happens. It won’t do anypony any good to worry over it.” Nightmare slowly stretched, feeling each muscle relax. Nightmare’s stomach growled. With a deadpan expression, Nightmare stared at her stomach. “Ohh, fine, I’ll get food.” Her expression shifting to one of mild annoyance, Nightmare got up, and left for the kitchen.
The path back to the kitchen was much longer than from that morning, as Nightmare was taking back hallways and passages to get around unseen. She didn’t mind the guards seeing her, but she didn’t want to cause a panic or an outcry amongst the common ponies. Heh, common ponies. Nightmare thought, teleporting past a hallway full of ponies waiting to speak with Celestia. I wonder if they do still fear me... Well, not finding out today. Just food.
Nightmare smiled as she opened the door to the dining room, sitting down at her and Celestia’s table. Within moments a chef appeared, a confused smile on her face. “Princess, how may we serve you?” she politely asked, bowing. “And, if you don’t mind me asking, what are you doing awake? I thought you would be sleeping through the day.”
Nightmare faked a yawn, bringing a hoof up to ‘stifle’ it. “I awoke and found myself hungry,” she answered, turning to stare blankly at the mare. “Bring me a sandwich. Don’t care what’s in it.” With a nod the mare turned and trotted off. A few minutes later she returned with a glass of water and a sandwich for Nightmare.
“Would you like anything else?” The chef asked hesitantly. Nightmare simply shook her head and began eating. The mare nodded, then bolted out of the room, much to Nightmare’s surprise.
“Well... that was odd,” Nightmare mumbled around her food. She glanced down at her foreleg. “I look like Luna,” She whispered to herself. “And if I had looked like Nightmare she would have run the moment she saw me, not serve me food.” With a shrug Nightmare dismissed her worry, returning happily to her sandwich.
Nightmare slowly, happily, worked her way through her sandwich. Finishing off the last bite, and the last sip of her drink, she was about to get up to leave when Celestia walked in. “Luna! What are you doing awake?” she asked, sitting down next to Nightmare with a smile.
Nightmare sighed and settled back into her chair. “I awoke, and found myself hungry, Tia,” she responded, leaning against Celestia. “So, I came down here and got some food. I was wondering where that mare had run off too.” Nightmare stifled a quite real yawn, sitting back up and stretching.
Celestia wrapped a wing around her sister. “Well, glad to see everything’s okay.”
“What, just because I got hungry you assume something’s wrong?” Nightmare replied jokingly. The two alicorns shared a short laugh. Since Luna’s asleep, can she have any memories of this? Let’s set something up and find out. “Actually, now that I think about it, there is something I’d like to ask you.”
“What do you need, Lulu?” Celestia happily responded, turning to her sister. “I’ll do whatever I can.”
“Well, I was hoping to talk to your student.”
Celestia blinked. “Umm... Well, sure, but, why?” she asked, confused.
“Well, I would like to have somepony to talk to.” Nightmare replied. “One who isn’t going to grovel at my hooves,” she added before Celestia could interrupt. “I know if I called upon almost any other pony in Equestria they would spend the entire time groveling. I want somepony to talk to. A regular pony, with a regular life, who can talk to me about regular things. In her letter to you, and from what I remember of the party, she was very casual with you. So, I was thinking she might be able to just talk with me.”
Celestia slowly nodded, a smile growing across her face. “Alright. I suppose you have a point. And, I expect when she first meets you she will grovel a bit. Just tell her and she’ll stop.” Nightmare nodded, smiling. “I’ll send her a letter, asking her to come some night soon.”
Nightmare thought for a moment. While I don’t want to impose, I need to see what can force a switch, so I need Luna conscious... Alright, during the night it is. She nodded. “Alright, just let me know when to expect her.” I’m not sure what each outcome means yet, but it will be interesting to find out. With a final nod and a smile, Nightmare rose from her chair. “Well, good day, Tia. I’m going back to bed.” Celestia chuckled as Nightmare left the room. Well, we shall see, what we shall see.Nightmare thought to herself as she returned to her room. She curled up on her bed, made sure she was comfortable, and grabbed a random book. With a smile, she began to read.
Nightmare finished her book with a slow yawn, replacing it upon the shelf. Alright, time to let Luna take over. I just hope nothing comes up, I want a chance to sleep... maybe this will become the usual, Nightmare thought, closing her eyes. I have control during the day, Luna at night. If so, I’ll need some excuse for staying up.... Nightmare pulled the blankets over her, quickly drifting to sleep.
The next few days passed without incident. Luna would work during the night, holding her Night Court and doing paper work. Nightmare spent much of the days reading, from recent fiction to modern textbooks. And while Luna took care of all of the princessly duties that were expected of her, and enjoyed doing so, Nightmare learned everything she could about science, art, literature, and how ponies interacted. And while Luna was happy, Nightmare was bored. Nightmare spent many days in the palace library, hiding from everypony else, reading.
A few days after Nightmare’s first foray into the library, Celestia found her. “Lulu, the librarians are getting spooked. They say books keep vanishing and reappearing,” Celestia said, poking her head around the corner to look at Nightmare. “They got used to Twilight doing it, but she’s not here. Could you stop scaring them?”
Nightmare looked up, smiling sheepishly. “Ohh. Ya. Sorry, Tia,” she mumbled, replacing her book with a dark flash. She had never meant to scare anypony, she just didn’t want to worry about their reactions. From a few dozen shelves away came a high pitched squeal of terror. Celestia glared at Nightmare, who wilted. “Opps... I’ll go apologize...”
Celestia shook her head, trotting behind her sister. “Honestly, I had one of the librarians come running into my court screaming of dark creatures destroying the library...” Celestia gave Nightmare a quick bonk on the head. “So, what are you doing up? Just reading?”
“Yep,” Nightmare replied, trying to stay out of reach of Celestia. “I haven’t been sleeping well lately, and rather than lay in bed, I figured I might as well learn about the advancements made in the past thousand years. Some of them have been very interesting.” The two sisters spent much of their time discussing the various changes over the past millennium. As they reached the front desk, Nightmare smiled sheepishly at the librarian. “I’m very sorry, madame. I had no intention of scaring you, I simply wished to read.”
“So you’re the one who’s been taking the books...” The librarian sighed. “Princess, as much as I love your enthusiasm for reading, you could give Twilight a run for her money. If you want to take them out of here we need to know so we can keep track of them. And, you’ve misplaced a few books. If you’re not sure where they go exactly, just put them on the desk.”
Nightmare nodded and thanked the librarian before leaving with Celestia. They walked a bit before Nightmare turned to her sister. “So, have you heard back from Twilight? I kinda thought she’d have replied by now...”
It was Celestia’s turn to smile sheepishly. “Oh, right. Well... She responded not long after I sent the letter,” the alicorn mumbled, looking away from her sister. “She’ll be here tonight,” Celestia added happily.
Nightmare deadpanned at her sister. “And why, pray tell, did you neglect to tell me this earlier?”
“I... Forgot?” Celestia offered, smiling weakly.
Nightmare sighed and rolled her eyes. “I’m going to bed then. I want at least some sleep before she gets here.” With that, Nightmare turned around and left for her room. Again, she had to take back corridors to avoid as many ponies as possible. Of course she forgets to tell me. Just like she forgets everything about me. And I have still have to hide from the commoners, all because she’s worried I might scare them! Nightmare grumbled to herself as she stalked through the hallways. Maybe I will cause a panic, and then calm it all down, just to show her! Once she finally reached her room, she pulled the shades and jumped into bed. Luna will take over for the night. Let’s see if I have to take over at all.
A few hours later, just as the sun was beginning to set, Luna awoke. She sat up, mumbling tiredly, and stretched as she dragged herself from her bed. Slowly working her jaw, she set off into her bathroom, preparing for her night. After her routines were finished she left, making her way to enjoy a quiet breakfast with Celestia.
“Good evening, Luna,” the elder sister yawned, munching on a small salad.
“Good evening, Tia,” the younger replied, sitting down. Within a few seconds a chef had brought out a bowl of oats for Luna to enjoy. Luna happily enjoyed her breakfast, not a care in her mind.
A few minutes of silence passed before Celestia spoke up. “You know, Twilight sounded most excited to see you when she replied.” Luna stared blankly back, frozen, her eyes starting to glaze over. “Though I must admit, given her love of the night sky, I can’t say I’m at all-” Celestia paused as she saw the lack of understanding in Luna’s eyes. “Sister, are you-”
All of a sudden, Nightmare lurched forward, shaking hard. What in all that is holy! Nightmare panicked as she was forcefully and painfully dragged from her slumber. She cast her eyes about wildly, trying to determine the source of her pain. Her eyes found Celestia’s, and rage flew into her heart. “What is going on?” she asked incredulously. She couldn’t have woken me. The thought flitted through Nightmare’s mind as she stared daggers at Celestia.
“You froze up for a second, then had a, well, a fit,” Celestia replied, trying to calm her sister. She gently reached a hoof out to place upon Nightmare’s, only for the younger sister to jerk away. “Are you alright?”
Nightmare’s heart slowly calmed as she got a bearing on her surroundings. She couldn’t have. Again, the thought flitted through her mind, almost out of her control. “I, I think I’m fine.” Something must have happened to Luna. Something which forced a switch. Now, damage control. Nightmare let out a yawn, her mind still slowly waking up. “I just had a momentary mental lapse, nothing more.”
Celestia raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure, Lulu?” she asked quietly. Nightmare nodded, still calming her heart. “If you’re absolutely sure...”
Nightmare stood and stretched before sitting back down at her bowl. “I’m fine sister. Let’s finish our meal.” Celestia nodded before returning to her meal, though she kept glancing over at her sister. As both finished, they rose, walking to the nearby window. “Where will Twilight be meeting me?” Nightmare asked, her horn aglow.
“I told her to meet you down in the gardens,” Celestia replied, her horn lit as well. “I know you both like it down there, so I thought it would be a good place to start to talk.” Celestia smiled as day passed into night. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
Nightmare smiled and nodded, watching as her sister left. Well, time to go meet with Twilight. So, looks like Luna can’t be aware of, or participate in anything related to what I do while she sleeps. She left the kitchen, making her way through the castle. She nodded to guards as she passed, who saluted in return. As Nightmare came upon the doors leading into the garden, she stopped. Through the glass doors Luna could see Twilight, sitting with her back to her in a pool of moonlight, staring up at the stars. Nightmare silently strode up and sat next to and just behind Twilight.
The two sat for a moment, staring up at the stars. Nightmare was tempted to look into Twilight’s thoughts, So much I could learn about this mare... but not now. “Good evening, fair Twilight,” she whispered, trying to not scare her guest.
Twilight gave a small start, having not heard the princess approach. “Oh, Princess Luna!” she gasped, spinning around and dropping into a low bow. “My most sincere apologies! Princess Celestia requested I wait indoors but-”
“Twilight.”
“I wanted to come and stare up at the stars, I’ve always loved them,-”
“Twilight!”
“And I couldn’t resist! Please don’t banish me!”
Nightmare’s jaw hung open, amazed at the terror in Twilight’s voice. She’s Celestia’s personal student, has been studying under her for years and yet is this afraid of me? I’m screwed. “Twilight, please, do not worry. We would never dream of banishing our savior.” At this, Twilight looked up, puzzled. “You saved us from the Nightmare,” Oh, if only, if only. “And for that, We are eternally grateful.”
Twilight’s mouth gaped for a moment. “Ohh, um...” She sat there, her jaw working as she tried to form a sentence.
“Furthermore, my good Twilight, We am most honored that you would choose to stare at our stars, of all things. Never would We dream of punishing someone for ignoring a request to stargaze.” Nightmare smiled as she stood, and motioned for Twilight to do the same. “Please, follow.” With that, she set off deeper into the gardens.
Twilight blushed, smiling sheepishly at Nightmare as she followed. “Umm... I know Princess Celestia may have told you that the royal We is still in use, and all that, but well...” she mumbled, not sure how to break the news to Nightmare.
“Yes, what is it?” Nightmare replied, raising an eyebrow, glad to see Twilight behind her.
“Well, it hasn’t been in use for about eight hundred years.” Twilight rushed through, looking away.
Nightmare paused to glare up at the castle. “Thank you. She does like her pranks.” Nightmare shook her head, mildly annoyed, before continuing.
“Any time, Your Highness,” Twilight replied happily. “Now, how may I be of service? Celestia’s letter said you wished to speak?”
Nightmare sighed as she reached a few cushions near the edge of the gardens. The gardens backed up against nothing, providing an uninterrupted view of the land below them. Twilight gasped in amazement, rushing over to stare out over Equestria. “Yes. But a few things first,” Nightmare began,settling onto a cushion. “One, please just call me Luna. I have no desire for that formality between us. Two, treat me like you treat your friends. I may be the princess, but that doesn’t mean I want you groveling the entire time. I want to be able to have a conversation most would consider normal. Three, why don’t you look up?”
Twilight nodded slowly, very unsure of what was going on. “Alright, I can do that... but, why-” Twilight paused as she cast her gaze towards the heavens. With no lights near to wash them out, each star shined brilliantly. “Princess Luna, they’re amazing.”
“Why thank you, Twilight,” Nightmare replied. The two stayed silent for a time as Twilight gazed up at the stars, taking in everything she could. “Twilight, if I could bring you back down?”
With a jump, Twilight spun around, looking at Nightmare sheepishly. “Sorry, Pri- Luna.” Twilight scuttled over and sat next to Nightmare, biting her lip. “So, what did you want to talk about?”
“Simple. I’ve been away for a thousand years. Things have changed, and I wish to be brought up to speed,” Nightmare replied, turning to smile warmly at Twilight. “I was hoping that over the course of the night you would inform me as to the major changes, but most importantly, the changes in how ponies interact. I haven’t had anypony to talk to for a thousand years after all...”
Twilight’s face beamed. “I would be glad to. Is there anywhere in particular you would like to start?”
“Yes. In your letter last week you said you would didn’t want to go to the Grand Galloping Gala if all of you friends couldn’t go.” Twilight nodded. “Why? Last I checked the Gala was the biggest event of the year.”
Twilight smiled, looking up at the stars. “Simple. I wasn’t going to hurt one of my friends by not bringing them with me. But then Princess Celestia gave me enough tickets for everypony, so I guess it all worked out.”
“So, your friends mean more to you than the biggest social event of the year?” Nightmare asked, slightly surprised.
“Of course,” Twilight responded, turning to face Nightmare. “Without my friends, I wouldn’t be the pony I am today. Without my friends....” Twilight trailed off, looking hesitantly at Nightmare, as if worried she had almost gone too far.
“You wouldn’t have defeated Nightmare Moon.” You wouldn’t have made this situation worse... Nightmare smiled. “Let’s move on to happier topics.” Twilight quickly nodded, looking back at the stars. “You really like the stars, don’t you?”
“I love them.” Twilight sighed, laying on her back to stare at the stars. “They’re beautiful. Like twinkling gems hung on an infinite tapestry.” Nightmare smiled happily, looking up as well.. “I’ve always enjoyed stargazing... ever since I was a little foal and my brother told me a story.”
Nightmare blinked back a few tears and sighed, taking a deep breath. That’s the first time anypony other than Tia has praised Luna’s work... If only she were around to hear it. “And what story was that?” Nightmare asked, not taking her gaze from the stars. Twilight smiled and closed her eyes.
“There was once a pony. She lived many, many years ago. She created the stars and the moon, and kept watch over them. And every night she would bring forth the moon and the stars, and watch over everypony as they slept, watching over their dreams to make sure nopony had nightmares. But, eventually, she became jealous of Princess Celestia. The ponies loved Celestia’s day, but always slept through her night. So, one dawn, She tried to hold back the day, and make the ponies at least see her wondrous night. But Celestia forced the day forward, and trapped the pony in the moon. All She wanted was a friend. I said I’d be her friend.” Twilight turned to smile at Nightmare. “Of course, I only recently figured out who that pony was,” she added with a small chuckle.
Nightmare took a few deep breaths, bringing her emotions under control. “You brother doesn’t seem to like Celestia much, if that story is anything to go by.” she joked, turning to smile at Twilight. “Seems like he holds her in contempt.”
Twilight chuckled. “That story has been passed down in our family for generations now. But, well, Shining Armor loves Equestria. And he always seemed to hold a certain amount of disdain for Princess Celestia, I’m guessing after he was first told the story. Apparently she called him in about it once, but he didn’t get a reprimand, or anything really. Just came back with a sad smile. He’s liked her more since then.” Twilight shrugged.
Nightmare shook her head, chuckling silently to herself. “No, I suppose she told him the truth.” She stared up at the stars with Twilight. “That’s what happened though. Over simplified, but still, that’s the story of my banishment.”
“Well, I like your night sky, Luna,” Twilight said quietly.
“Thank you. Would you like me to tell you about it?”
“I would love that, Princess.”