Chapter 14
True to her word, Queen Amalthea had gathered all the Nightmares together, announcing to them that there would be some major changes. One of which was the return of Princess Luna. Everypony had gasped when they saw the alicorn, having only heard mentions and descriptions of her from stories. The initial surprise then turned to cheers and applause. Princess Luna almost blushed, not used to such attention. It was good that after all these centuries, she managed to patch things up with Amalthea. Even Amalthea seemed to be in a much better mood. The queen also announced that the nightly ride would now be done only once a month, and that they would be called upon to over see the dreamers, ensuring that their sleep was peaceful. Some of the Nightmares whispered, not sure about the change, but the others applauded enthusiastically at the news.
"Dreamers! We get to see actual dreamers!"
"Sounds like fun!"
"Sounds scary."
"Are dreamers cute? Are they nice? I hope they're nice. I can't wait to see all the dreams! I wonder-"
Yes, there was certainly a lot to talk about. It would take a while to get situated with the change, but it was certainly a good change from their old mundane routine. What's more they couldn't believe it when they heard that Eve was moving to the castle. The Nightmare herself was looking around her now empty house. She'd miss the village, and it's residents (a little bit). She then began to walk slowly to the castle, taking her time. She wondered if Fluttershy and the others were still there. 'If you change your mind, we'll be in the throne room.' It wouldn't hurt to say a quick goodbye. After all, they'd be leaving forever, and forever was an awfully long time. She picked up the pace, galloping to the castle, through the hallways and into the throne room. Luna had just opened up a portal, as Eve entered.
"Eve! You made it!" said Fluttershy happily. Eve nodded.
"I-I wanted to see you off, since you'll be gone forever." Fluttershy looked at her quizzically.
"Forever? Who said anything about being gone forever?"
"But I thought-"
"You're my friend Eve, and we always will be. Though, I do need a break from all of this, afterward though, I see no harm in having you over sometime. That is, if it's okay with the queen." Fluttershy said. Eve felt her heart lighten.
"And, can you come and visit me too?" Fluttershy giggled.
"Of course I will. Oh, I have something for you." Eve was curious as to what Fluttershy had for her. Fluttershy pulled out the dust bunny, who gave a friendly wave at Eve. Eve gasped, reaching out and hugging him.
"Lumen! Oh, I thought I lost you!" said Eve. "I'm sorry I turned you into a monster, do you forgive me?" Lumen rubbed his nose on Eve's cheek and Eve laughed.
"I asked Discord to conjure him from the Garden of Shadows. He was pretty shaken up but no worse for wear." said Fluttershy. Eve looked over Fluttershy to see a disgruntled Discord.
"Thank you." said Eve. Discord didn't reply.
"I thought he might be able to keep you company here." Fluttershy gave one last pet on the bunny's head before looking back up at Eve.
"You gonna be okay?" Eve nodded and hugged Fluttershy.
"I'll be good." Eve and Lumen waved goodbye as they started to enter through the portal.
"Goodbye!"
"Take care Eve!" Discord still didn't reply. He let Fluttershy go first, entering second, Twilight third, and Luna last. The portal collapsed and all was still in the throne room. Eve felt a hoof on her shoulder, she looked up to see the queen. Both exchanged a look. They'd see them again, some day soon. 'Goodbye Fluttershy.'
Fluttershy received a warm welcome home from the rest of her friends back in Ponyville. A chorus of happy and relieved cries as they all swooped Fluttershy into a group hug. Pinkie Pie insisted on having a welcoming party to celebrate and welcome Fluttershy home. Held at Sugarcube Corner, Pinkie had fixed up all of Fluttershy's favorite foods and snacks. Everypony asked her questions about her time in Aestas, and and about Eve.
"What happened there?"
"You weren't hurt were you?"
"Did you have to fight any monsters?"
"What happened to Moonlight Eve?" Twilight helped Fluttershy recount what had happened over the snacks Pinkie had made. The girls listened with rapt attention. Not interrupting until they had finished their story.
"My goodness, sounds like you've been such an ordeal!" said Rarity.
"You sure it was wise to let Moonlight Eve go free like that?" asked Applejack. Twilight nodded.
"I think she's learned her lesson. With any luck she'll make all sorts of new friends."
"I just hope she finds the happiness she's been looking for." said Fluttershy.
"I'm sure she will." Pinkie Pie started up the music, everypony danced and mingled. Discord tapped Fluttershy on the shoulder, appearing quite flustered.
"Discord, is there something wrong?" she asked.
"Nothing's wrong my dear, I just wanted to... to..."
"Whatever it is, you can tell me." She took his paw and smiled. "We're friends after all." Discord looked away.
"Yes, well, I was wondering if, you're not doing anything, if I could treat you to a picnic." he said.
"A picnic sounds lovely! My animals would love to come." Discord tried to stop her, but she looked so happy that he didn't say anything, having hoped to have a picnic alone with her. Oh well, there'd be plenty of time for all that later. Right now, things were returning to their usual normality, and Discord was joining in with the others, swaying to the music. He'd tell Fluttershy, one of these days, how much she really meant to him.
In the Garden of Shadows...
Too soon....we must wait a little longer, and then we'll rise up again. And oh little Nightmare, what a tasty dish you shall make! I shall take great pleasure in feeding on you. Until next we meet....