//------------------------------//
// The Magpie Method 
// Story: Itty-Bitty Bite Size Stories 
// by gallagsp the corgi 
//------------------------------//

"There is an old legend," Princess Luna said slowly, looking at the sky. "One from a forgotten age, where ponies were much more superstitious. Where they would count birds to determine the future."

"I may have heard of it." Cadence said. "Its an old rhyme, isn't it?"

"Yes. You know of it?"

"Sort of. I know parts of it."

"Then you are aware of how it starts?"

"One for sorrow, two for joy, three..." Cadence slowed, unsure of the next line.

"for a girl, four for a boy." Luna continued.

"Five for silver"

"Six for gold, seven for a secret never to be told." Luna looked to her niece, a knowing smirk on her face. "There are different versions, but that is the most widely accepted one, yes." She turned back to the sky, where seven crows flew in circles, cawing occasionally. Cadence looked up as well, clearly confused. They had not been there a moment before. 

"What the..." 

"tell me, Cadence, have you told your husband?"

"Told him what?" Cadence said, suddenly worried."

"You know what I mean." Luna said, eyes still on the sky. "In this world we live in we must all learn to keep secrets, but sometimes secrets are best out in the open. Think of it like a dream, everything is fine and well, but at some point we must all wake up."

"That's a strange way of putting it."

"Is it?" Luna smiled again, then turned and walked away. "And I think it's time you woke up." She faded away. 

Cadence shot up in her bed, breathing heavily. It had all been a dream. She set her head back on the pillow and sighed, then turned to face her sleeping husband. She sighed again and swallowed hard. Maybe Luna was right.

She reached out an shook her husband. He opened his eyes and looked at her.

"Shining, we need to talk."