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// Part 2 - Prologue 
// Story: The Seventh Pony 
// by Essy 
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	That night, Princess Luna was traversing the astral plane, a place where dreams and memories and ideas reside collectively in one spiritual realm, and she began her work of dream guarding. Per her sister’s request, the night alicorn was to visit Essentia’s sect of the astral plane first, to make sure she was alright.
The alicorn stepped forth into Essentia’s “dream cloud”, so to speak, although it was more similar to a glass bubble than a cloud.
Upon entering Essentia’s subconscious, she stepped forward into what appeared to be a quaint room inside of a cottage. Along the walls were paintings of memories such as Essentia attaining her cutie mark, the time Essentia pied Celestia’s face at a festival, and other such positively vibrating recollections. Luna looked forward to see Essentia herself waiting, smiling at the Princess as she walked in.
“Hello, Luna.”
“Greetings, child.” The alicorn smiled radiantly at the priestess. “I see you have not forgotten how to lucid dream.”
“Come on, have a little more faith in me. Lucid dreaming is pre-training level of spiritual magic; anypony can do it.”
“Well, yes, but everypony is not aware of it as such, nor have they interest in learning to do so. ‘Tis a shame, but there is little we can do about it.”
“I agree. So, what brings you to my tiny little dream house?”
“You were assigned to me as my first visit by my sister. Does everything bid well for thee and thy journey thus far?”
“Yes, actually. As soon as I got on the train, I met the bearers of the Elements of Harmony, and I got to speak with Twilight again! It was such a good time, talking to them; they’re a friendly bunch, especially Pinkie Pie.”
“Yes, the pink one is rather social, isn’t she?”
“And, I swear, she must be a witch to be able to pull off that sort of bounce in her step…”
Funny thou should mention that, but ‘tis for another time, the princess thought to herself before speaking up again.
“Well, if all is right, I suppose I shall take my leave.”
“Wait, Luna…did Tia ever say anything about…you know?”
The alicorn sighed and placed a hoof on Essentia’s shoulder. “My sister has not made official arrangements, not yet, anyway. It is a decision that must be deliberated with caution; we have discussed this before.”
“Yes, I know…it is driving me insane to call her by her first name.”
“I understand perfectly, dear, but thou must be patient. There is more to consider than just your relationship to her as a child; ‘tis a royal matter that will not be withheld from the press nor from the public, should the matter become official.”
“…okay.”