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Another Sunday night descends upon the land. Seven days since the last. The very day after Nightmare Night. I was present in Ponyville last year to grace the home of my beloved for my first experience with the holiday born from my legacy. A very dark legacy, but now one that is used as an excuse for festivities and fun instead of cowering in fear over a proverbial boogeyman. But I did not attend last night. I instead graced the spires of Canterlot with my presence last night along with Luna. And in our stead, Mother and Father descended upon Ponyville. To think that Father insisted on forging himself silver armor to mimic my own from those times...

The state the two of them were in when they returned home... Splattered with the finely mulched entrails of a pumpkin. I suppose I should be happy that they so thoroughly enjoyed themselves, and yet... How unbecoming! What sort of antics did Father provoke Mother into partaking with him?! Such a loveable clown, my father has always been. Mother was not even humiliated to return home in such a messy state. It feels like ages since I last saw her in such high spirits.

But now... The very next night. How I have anticipated this moment. I am eager to return to my beloved's side in the world I have woven for just the two of us. A Sunday night... Perfect time to truly unwind and be with my future king. I have taken all precautions. Warm tea to soothe my nerves. The sky is clear with no rain. I have also enjoyed a glass of red wine as I watched the sky from my chambers. I can feel my body aching for sleep. All I must do now is prepare my spell. Close my eyes... I will see you soon, my love.

Mind is heavy and drifting...and now I awaken. And yet... Not awake at all. I recognize this atmosphere. To the unfamiliar, it would be indistinguishable from reality. But I can sense it if I listen closely. This is my world... Our world. Our own paradise. But I must be patient. Canterlot was not built in a day.

I felt so fatigued when I set my head down on my pillow. Now I feel rested and wide awake. Ready to face the day with my beloved at my side. I do believe I am getting closer to working out the flow of time in this world. If only we could truly spend as many hours here as we do in the waking world. In due time. The journey is the destination for us, my dear. Every step of the way will be a miracle in its own right.

I join my sisters for breakfast, my tongue unable to distinguish these morsels from the finest dishes in the realm of reality. My sisters are false, yet they feel familiar and alive. Similar, yet different. I almost expect Mother and Father to join us at the table before I recall that they had not yet entered my life when I wove this world for my beloved and I. And that is fine. There is no need to replicate everything that has come into my life since. Especially Mother... Even if she was a mere product in this world, she would be the one I fear the most when it comes to the risks of interfering with my pursuit of what I rightfully deserve.

Heavens, my sisters are a little too aware of what my heart is pining for. They playfully jeer and prod at me over my secret suitor. And I feel so...proud. They know and have only smiles to show for it. They know he is mine. The man who will be crowned as my king one day. My heart knows what it needs and that he needs me. Laugh all you want, my sisters. For I am bursting with joy as well.

Breakfast was a pleasure, but I ate lightly this time. I dread the risk of making myself too heavy and lethargic during my one time of the week with my beloved. My sisters even offer to cover for my duties today. I wonder... Are they so alive as to notice the passage of time when I am absent? This world does feel far more alive than it should be...

Regardless, I agree. Sundays are ideal for relaxation. And they know where I wish to be. I am coming for you, my love. I only hope the inhabitants of Ponyville do not flinch at the Princess of Dreams becoming a weekly visitor. But they will know in time. Especially when their newest permanent resident wears a crown.

It is always such a thrill to cast myself from the balcony of my chambers as a means to glide down upon the valley far below. I stand upon the balcony and savor that cool autumn breeze so high up atop the mountain. Winter will be coming before much longer. I know how much my beloved loathes the onset of autumn. I do believe the phenomenon is known as seasonal depression. Celestia, how do you not experience the same? If autumn is your favorite season, then... Ah, you clown! It is because the sun sets sooner, is it not?! You can start to retire early when the days become shorter! Ha, I wonder if the tabloids have ruminated on this theory...

No matter. There is somewhere I am needed. Someone who surely pines for me. I spread my wings and... What is this presence...? Something...at the edge of this world. Drifting near the veil separating this world from the nexus. It can only be...that little wyrm?

I turned her away last time. It was my time to spend and I wished to spend it with only him. It was selfish of me, but I did what I had to do. But this time... There is a kindly desire amongst her. Such a forlorn and somber need to see him filled her when I last detected her trying to encroach upon our world. And then she found him. Had the situation truly improved between them?

That must have been the case. I sense in this presence...a gentle happiness. She knows he is near and is gravitating towards him. My love, what transpired between the two of you since I last saw you? I did not observe every dreaming moment between the two of you. Did that little wyrm find her way back into your heart? Did the two of you genuinely reconcile? You must have. She desires you so dearly now. And so surely too. Not awake, yet just aware enough to know you are near.

Forgive me, little wyrm. This is my time to spend with him, not yours. I know how you long for him. How you...love him. You and I are far too similar for me to be able to not read you so clearly. And I shall persevere in my efforts to bridge the gap between dreams and reality for you. Luna and I have not found a means yet, but it will happen. I swear it. Drift away, little wyrm. A time will come when you will be able to shield him under your wings forevermore.

Once again, I send her away. I can sense the dream wyrm's presence becoming more distant. To think that such a struggle that night would give birth to a dream with its own thoughts and soul. My love... For what little you knew of her, your memories created such a wonderful new friend for you and us. She will be most welcome in Equestria when the day arrives. And I will see to it that it shall happen.

But not tonight. It is our time. And our time together is finite in this world. I must not delay. It is difficult to say whether or not if I have perfected the flow of time in this world. I must take flight and... Hm? She is back again?

That presence beyond the veil of this world... It is most certainly the little wyrm again. I beg of you, child. Be patient Not tonight. You will have you opportunity to return to his side, but he is mine for now. Please, be on your way. I swear that you...

She...ignored my influence? She is not awake at this time. Merely wandering in a type of dream stasis. Why do you not heed me, child? Turn away. Go, drift through the haze of his minds. You will have your turn again soon. Go... Now! Why do you insist?!

She... She is here. The wyrm has breached the veil of this world! How?! Little wyrm, how were you able to resist my decree? I am the Princess of Dreams! If I must, I can directly control you while you slumber. You should not be here! Unless...it is not her?

No matter. If it is indeed her, then she is seeking him out. That little wyrm will descend upon Ponyville before long. And I must intercept her first before either of us find him. I take flight and soar down towards the valley. But what should I say should I find her? She must not know the true nature of this world. If she were to discover the nature of her existence... Or rather the lack of... It would devastate her. For a dream to know that they are nothing more than a dream...

Strange... I cannot pinpoint her location. I sensed the veil of this world being breached, but... Was it her? I am not so certain now. If it was not the dream wyrm seeking out her dreamer, then what else could it be? That blue machine hero instead? He did survive his clash with his dreamer much the same way she did...

Ponyville is still itself now that I have arrived. Alive, yet still a product of our dreaming minds. The locals still marvel at my presence all the same. Perhaps they will cease gawking so much once my arrivals become more routine. But where is he? The spa again?

The town square is an easy location to notice someone. And its open spaces does draw attention. If she is here, she will most likely be drawn to this location. Especially with his locations being so close. He is near, I am sure. Within the spa putting his delicate fingers to good use. Where are you, little wyrm? If I can explain the situation to her and convince her of what to believe, perhaps she too can enjoy a massage at his hands.

I have been circling the town hall for a few laps now. Still no sign of her... Wait... Hm. Luna? Why did she depart from Canterlot to be here? I suppose when the denizens of this world have their own agency, even I cannot predict what they might do next. I certainly did not expect them to start prodding me about my attraction towards a certain commoner in Ponyville this morning.

Hail, sister! What brings you to Ponyville? Are you seeking the services of the world's only human masseuse? Wait...

The way she gazes about at her surroundings... She has been to this town before, and yet it is as if there is something profoundly different about it to her eyes. That look of growing shock in her eyes... And now they gaze upon me.

"What have you done?"

No... This... This is not the Luna I spoke to at the breakfast table this morning. Now that I am near her and feeling closely... No. This is not a product of my dreaming mind. This mare before me... She is not awake. She is a dreamer herself. A dreamer from beyond this world's veil who has invaded. Luna... I should have known it would be inevitable for you to choose just the wrong time to check on our friend while he slumbered. I tried to be discreet, but...I suppose it was only a matter of time.

"Tell me, sister. What is this world? It is not like those of any other I have seen. This world feels...too alive. And it is not just being sustained by one. Two dreaming minds have connected. They are both sustaining this world. Tell me. What is this world? What have you done?" My sister demands again. She is unnerved, yet stern. I can see that in her.

It cannot be helped. I only pray she will listen to reason. The people around us have become oblivious to our presence. No doubt Luna's work in keeping any from knowing. And yet... I cannot face her directly. "It is simply my means of finally being able to have what I rightfully deserve. If I cannot have him in the waking world, then I will have him here. Nothing to get in the way. No compromises. No consequences. Together, we can finally be happy together."

"I fear there is more to this than you say... But this is not the place for it. Sister, come with me at once. We need to talk. Now." My sister will not be dissuaded. I am so near my beloved. He is just over there, and yet... They cannot wait. Now that someone knows, I must diffuse the situation. Luna has taken to the air and I follow. But not back towards Canterlot. She is leading me...west? Ah, I see now. She and I were one at first. It would seem we still think alike in some ways.

The vast canopy of the Everfree Forest stretches out before us. Soaring high and without a word. All I can do is follow my other half. She leads us far ahead to the west. Towards a clearing situated beyond a ravine. A location that we both hold bitter memories for. Where it all began for me.

What little remains of our first castle is exactly as I remember it. So little remains. It is not the first time that I have descended upon this place in the world I have woven. Luna is descending towards the entrance to the only intact structure, but I know of a swifter alternative. "Luna, this way! We need not take the stairs!"

My sister allows me to leave. And I guide her to the gaping hole in the wall left behind by the final struggle to ever grace those halls. We land inside the barren remains of the throne room. And my sister... She stands transfixed. Is this the first time she has ever seen this chamber since we ceased being one? Her breath is heavy as she speaks to me. "I never thought I would ever return to this place... Dream or otherwise."

"Everything is as it was when I breathed life into this world. This includes where you and I spent our final moments as one." I explain softly, hoping to not rouse her ire now that we are alone. Luna has turned to face that gaping hole in the far wall we have entered through. I know she has questions. That orifice was not there before. "I did that... Forced him through the wall when he tried to flee."

"Yes, I know... Your encounter with our friend was...harrowing, last I heard." Luna speaks with a sigh. She sounds...uncertain of what to think or say. And now she turns to me, but not with accusations or scorn. "I must confess... Your attention to detail astounds me, sister. As much as this world vexes me, I must applaud this feat in weaving the dream realm to suit your vision. I suspect your mastery over the currents of the dream realm has even surpassed my own."

I feel more than just a tad smug at the moment. I suppose I can add a touch of levity to the moment. A touch of wit. "I suppose my title of Princess of Dreams is not without merit."

"Ha! Perhaps so!" My sister is smiling. Perhaps this encounter will end well after all. She glances about at the vast hall. A place that once served as our sanctuary for a very brief time. Her eyes narrow, but not in disgust. "Well, if we are to have a conversation here... Let me make a few additions."

With the will of my sister's dream magic, she conjured up a delightful sight. A table near the throne holding fresh tea and scones. As if these ruins are now serving as our private penthouse. Ah, that aroma on the breeze... Mint, is it? I can certainly spare some time away from my beloved here. Luna and I have taken our seats as she pours us tea. "Now then... Some explanations are in order. What is this world, Nightmare Moon? I have never seen one sustained through two dreaming minds. Nor one where the world within feels so...alive."

"It is as I said, sister. I have simply set into motion the opportunity to finally have my beloved to myself. A place where we can finally belong to each other without compromise." Anxiety returns to me. I stir my tea, but do not drink. My nerves will not allow it.

Luna's eyes are filled with nothing less than concern. She knows me well. Probably better than most. "Sister... I know how you long for him. Since the very beginning, I have seen it. But now... Now that his heart has opened to so many... And will continue to welcome those into his embrace... Why do you not approach him? I know he loves you. You...do know that, yes?"

"Yes... He knows. I told him. And he accepted. He would gladly welcome me into his family the same he has done for Celestia. And yet, I..." I can barely even meet her gaze. That day... When I came so close to death... It was when I could hide it no longer. And...I could not accept his offer. "I cannot, Luna. Perhaps I am selfish. Perhaps my heart is still tainted by the shadows that caused me to exist within you in the first place. I love him. And he loves me. And yet...I cannot be his. If I were to accept and be his like Celestia has... It would be a lie. I would never be happy. I simply...cannot do that. And so I wove this world for us. Where we can be together. Just the two of us."

She hesitates, her cup lowering to the iron table before us. "I see... But...are you certain this is wise? You're not putting our friend at risk through this, are you?"

A commendable concern, to be sure. But I must see to it that she knows I am not so desperate as to use force. Or to disregard those he loves beyond just me. "Of course not. When he enters this world in slumber, his memories of the waking world are separated from him. And when he awakens, his memories of this life... His memories of our time here together are locked away until the next time. I may be selfish, but I am not so selfish as to inconvenience his life in the realm of reality."

Luna appears to be satisfied with my words. At least to some extent. "Hm. Most wise of you, sister. Then...this other world? This other life the two of you live here? It has no impact upon the life he lives in reality?"

"I assure you that everything that happens here will have no influence upon his life in the waking world. I swear it. He may love and live with as many as his heart will allow, but he will only have me here. And only here." Please believe me, sister. I may be deeply envious of the mares and more who have become his beloveds, but I would never put their love for each other at risk. Not when I can safely have a life with him here and so far away from everything else.

She sighs with her head bowed. Why so somber, sister? "It truly is a shame that you cannot find the will to let yourself be with him as they have... I have seen the joy Celestia has shown when in his presence. The...things she has said about him whenever she has had a little too much drink. It was a love that none of us ever expected. Ad yet...they are just so...good for each other. And yet, you cannot allow yourself to be the same as her?"

I cannot help but scoff at such a notion. Did she even listen to herself when she said that? "Asking the moon to be just like the sun? A bizarre sentiment to hear from you, Luna. You do know that such relationship dynamics fell out of favor for a reason. Few truly have the means to sustain it without it becoming a extension of their ego. My beloved is an exception to the norm. And every mare... Every hen, every dragoness, and everything in-between who become something more to him... They are truly brave souls. And I applaud their courage to put so much faith in the man. The foundation for such a relationship is as delicate as it is enduring. And I pray the foundation for their love never collapses."

What a profound sigh from her... "I suppose I should not make assumptions. I have never known the love you feel for him. My dear James is merely the finest friend I have ever know, but nothing more than that. I have seen much in the way of love. The dreams of countless have allowed me to bear witness to some truly beautiful inner thoughts. And yet... It is something I have no experience with and I doubt I ever will. I am quite happy with being my own mare at this time. And I am content with...cheering for my sisters in their romantic pursuits. Especially when the recipient of their affection is a dear friend of mine."

"Then you can rest easy in knowing your friend will be in good hooves with me, Luna. I swear I wish for nothing more than for he and I to be happy together. You know he wants it as well." I do believe the worst is over now. Luna does not appear upset. And she knows the workings of the dream realm as well as I do. It is so easy for us to manipulate how much dreams may influence their dreamers. So lucid that they remember it as clearly as being awake, or so vague that they fail to remember it upon waking.

We pause in our conversation for just a moment. To savor our tea and sample these scones. Delightful. It is always a gamble when one conjures up food and drink through just the ability to weave the world around us. Hm? What was that, sister? "Nightmare Moon. I know that you and James have...always been dear to each other. Ever since the start. When he departed that night in armor, we did not know. He kept from us how much he wanted to save you. We never could have dreamed he would return with you alive. And not even as an enemy. If you do not mind me inquiring... What exactly is he to you?"

Hmph, this invitation. I cannot help raising an eyebrow at these words. "Sister, are you requesting that I go on a tangent about my beloved?"

Oh goodness, that smirk. Do not act like I cannot see you roll your eyes from here, sister. I have seen those romance novels in your chambers! And there are some exceptionally lewd material amongst them! For one who has no ambition in seeking out a stallion for her own heart, she certainly enjoys witnessing it. She finally answers with a snort. "Well, if you would be so kind as to give me the full story... I do so take satisfaction in seeing Celestia indulging with her beloved. Would you enlighten me to your love as well?"

"Very well then, I shall!" Oh, the opportunity to lay my heart bare to another... Luna, I trust you will keep this between just the two of us. "He... He has always been my world. Even after my return to the throne... Even after finally receiving the adoration from the people that I desired for so long... It all felt trivial by then. Because I found something so...so much more precious. A man who saw past my shadowy visage. The first to see me not as a demon, but as a mare. I do value my people and the world I now reign over, but... Nothing... Nothing will ever usurp my future king from his place in my heart. Especially now that I know his heart aches for me as much as mine pines for him."

My sister gazes at me with wide eyes. I am well aware that she knows. But she surely never knew so much until now. "Heavy words, sister. I always suspected as much, but to hear this from your very lips... Inspiring. Simply inspiring. A tale worthy of its own documentation. Is he truly so vital to you, sister?"

She dare question my words after that? Perhaps this will truly make her understand. "Luna. I would gladly let my body serve as the vessel for his legacy! Mark my words, he and I will give you a nephew in due time!"

And now she laughs?! Holding a hoof to her lips...before applauding? "Gracious, such passion! I do believe there may be some competition between you and Celestia!"

"Our sister may have preceded me at every turn, but not this time. I know Mother and Father desire grandchildren. And I swear he and I will be the first to grant their wish. Mark my words, Luna. Celestia will not be the first to bear him an heir." My heart burns as I speak. Oh, if only I could return to Ponyville and claim my beloved there at once. But it is much too soon. Patience, Nightmare Moon...

Strange... Now Luna appears not so certain over my words. What does she wish to know now? "You truly mean that... You wish to...bear him an heir?"

I must speak carefully. To speak with my heart and my mind. "I do. I will be his queen in due time. And a queen must bear her king an heir. At least...that is what history would expect. No, I have no intention of being so...cold. I have seen my beloved hold his firstborn. He now knows the joy of having children. Of having a family. And I know he desires more. For all I know, every woman who becomes something more to him will bless him with children. And I...will do the same. I wish to see he and I have a foal in our lives someday. A foal to love, born of a love worth admiring. This is not a decision to make lightly, but...yes, Luna. I wish to see the day when we...have a prince of princess to raise."

My sister is quick to nod. "And I wish you the best on that path, sister. And yet... Here? In this world? What would even happen? Is it even possible... A child? Born here in this realm? Is it possible?"

I... My sister brings up a good point. I never once considered if such a miracle is even possible in the realm of dreams. Even in a world I have woven to be as alive as possible. I take a moment to contemplate this concept. And take note of every minute feeling in my body. "I...certainly hope so. The winds of this world whisper differently from other dreams. I feel like my body carries more weight than elsewhere. I even...feel the burn of my estrus deep within me. I know not what may transpire should we try, but...I do hope so. If possible, I wish to see the day where my beloved...will finally hold our heir in his arms."

"I see... I suppose we can only wait and see, yes?" Luna appears...so very sympathetic with her gaze. She sips the last of her tea before speaking again. "Sister... I will keep this from Mother and Father. No telling what they may do if they learn of this. But now that I know of this... I will continue to visit every once in a while. Just to observe and supervise, if you may. You are reckless in this endeavor, and yet so very careful. Take great care going forward, sister. I fear it would be far too easy for this project of yours to go sour."

She is wise to doubt me. I have doubted myself at times. "You have my thanks, Luna. I know I am selfish... But I will not let my selfishness become a poison to his love and life in the waking world."

"You may be a nightmare, but you are still the Princess of Dreams. You know the weight of responsibility well. I doubt my faith in you will be misplaced." Luna speaks with a smile. A very somber smile. She knows me. She and I were one at one time. She knows how my heart suffers for that man. And yet... What is this? "But before it can slip my mind... Did Father try to enter tonight? I noticed a presence veering away from the edges of this world before I could breach the veil."

It is of no surprise to me that she noticed that presence. A wandering will following its own desires. "Yes, that... It was not the first time it has tried to intrude. That little wyrm... She was seeking her dreamer out, but I turned her away. She will have another opportunity to spend an evening with him."

Luna knows of her all too well. Possibly moreso than I. "Ah, her... Little Cynder. They parted ways after such a harrowing impasse last time... But if she was seeking him out this time... Do you suppose they have reconciled?"

My beloved could not have known, but I was watching that night. I saw them reunite. I sensed a presence in his dreaming mind that night which was not his own and feared the worst. I had to observe in case that little wyrm returned to him with ill will once again. "I...do suppose so. After I turned her away the previous time, I watched night after night for the moment she would return to his side. And she did. I kept a great distance. And for just an instant, it appeared that...they would part ways and never see each other again. I could sense a...weakening of a connection between them. The dreamer...letting go of the dream."

That gaze of shock in her eyes... Luna knows all too well the workings of life within the dream realm. How dreams live and die with their dreamer. Or when the dreamer...gives up on a dream. "That... That would have been no different from death. Surely, he did not..."

"I thought so as well. She turned away in tears. But..." I could remember that moment. He was so cold to her. Never looking directly at her once. The wounds she inflicted on his heart had yet to fully heal. And yet... "He took hold of her. And he did not let go. I know not what was said between them, yet... They remained together. And for the remainder of their time together, I shadowed them. There were times where he was cold to her, and yet there were times where they seemed to laugh with each other. And most interestingly... Their lives were endangered at least once. And each time, one came to the aid of the other. I doubt that they have fully reconciled. Not after a single day together. But what I did see... It was a sight to behold."

Such a sigh of relief from my sister. Luna may not emphasize with that little wyrm as much as I do, but she knows the value of a dream that refuses to die. "That is...a relief. They have always been dear to each other. Such a shame she jumped to just the wrong conclusion that night."

"She is a troubled soul. No home to return to... I suspect even if she were as she was from whatever fictional realm his memories plucked her from, she would still be burdened by dark times. And yet... She seems to be at her happiest when with him." I must ponder what such a world she came from. Shackled by a dark lord... What sort of future would she ever have had? Did we do her a favor by failing in saving her world?

"In other words... She is just like you, sister." Those words catch my ear. A knowing smile is upon my sister's lips. "You were the first to detect something was amiss in her when she first stood before us. Had you not, we would have ended up slaying the poor creature."

There was truth in her words. I noticed it about that wyrm almost immediately. Not one presence, but two. The outer shell and a slumbering soul held prisoner in her own body. Not at all unlike how when Luna and I were still one. I could not deny that little wyrm the liberty my sister and I were granted. It was a struggle, but she was purged. And what a wonderful ally she has become to my beloved. One that refuses to let herself fade to his memory. Even now, she still clings to him. Desiring to be with him despite not knowing of her true nature. It...makes my heart weep. I see too much of myself in that child. "The poor thing deserved a chance to be happy. And so I granted her that opportunity."

"She has been very happy with him, has she not?" Luna snacks on a scone as she speaks to me. Mind the crumbs, sister. "And he has been happy with her as well, yes?"

I have seen much of those two being together. Even if the number of times they have seen each other could be counted on one human hand at this moment. "Very. I recall when they reunited for the very first time. During the war when he sought respite as he dreamed. I sensed a presence not far from us. And...it longed for him. Imagine my surprise when I called it over only to see that the it was the same little wyrm as before. They embraced. They held each other. There was a connection I could not deny."

Luna has brought her hooves together with her jaw resting atop them. She reminds me of a giddy gossiper eager for the latest scoop. "Would you say that connection remains even now? After...that night?"

I can only say what I saw most recently. "He did wear an icy facade, but I do believe it was out of caution instead of animosity. He would never have reacted to an attempt on little Cynder's life with such panic and desperation if he did not value her. As for her... There is nothing to question. I saw him appear to develop symptoms of an illness during his time in that world. She defended him from a highwayman when he was in no condition to defend himself. And then she waited on him hand and paw once they found shelter. Yes... Yes, I do believe that connection between them is as strong as ever."

"That strong, you say? Because I do believe there is more than friendship between those two, sister." What is with that inflection in her voice? Luna, what are you saying to me? Tell me. "I have seen the parallels between you and our little Cynder. The resemblances are uncanny at times. And if you two are truly that similar... Then no. No, that is not a mere friendship we have been witnessing. I am convinced it is the beginning of something more. Something...wonderful."

I am without words. Luna... She is right. James... He is much too dear to her. Especially when she tended to him while ill in bed. She did not have to do that. Yet she did it anyway. All that effort and time to transport a bowl of nourishing hearty soup when her body was not designed to carry such a thing while walking... That was nothing short of an act of love. "I do believe you are right, sister. Their time together has always been brief. And days if not weeks apart. But when they are together... It is magical. Something...beautiful. Something that should be permitted to exist in the realm of reality. I cannot let that little wyrm be denied what I have been for so long. I have a means to attain my heart's desires. But not her. She remains trapped, even if she is unaware of it. Separated by a veil that she can never hope to cross on her own. It's not fair... It is why I could not allow her to see him in this world. This world came to be before he met her. In this world, she is a stranger to him. He will not remember her. And...that carries risk. I cannot allow her to start questioning the truth between the two of them. How she would react upon learning that she...does not exist..."

A tapping on the table... Luna? Yes, you have my attention now. "Patience, sister. It will come. I am still researching our options. Plucking at the threads of the veil that separates dreams from reality. There has to be a way... We just need to find it."

Patience... I have been very patient in the pursuit of my desires. But it feels like we are running out of time when it comes to that little dream wyrm. She does not know. She cannot be allowed to know. Not yet. Should she learn the truth of her nonexistence as a dream... I dread to imagine how such knowledge would shatter her reality. She deserves to be happy. And not to be broken. "Yes... In due time. There is an escape for her. We simply have yet to find the key."

"Perhaps we should start small. Rather than try to drag her out of the dream realm, do you suppose it would be wiser to start with smaller and less complicated objects?" That is certainly food for thought. One must learn to stand before they can run. Trying to bridge that gap for a dragon makes it sound like we skipping several steps. I nod in agreement. A wise suggestion. "Next time I delve into this project, I will see if I can bring a pebble through the veil. It does not get much simpler than that."

It would seem the teapot has run dry. And I feel we are still not done. I will it to be full again and restore the warmth of these freshly baked scones. Hm? What was with that sudden flinch in Luna? "Wait... What was that you said about James being...a stranger to Cynder in this world? He does remember her, yes?"

"Not here, he doesn't. My timing for weaving this world together could not have been worse." And so I am reminded by the sheer unfortunate happenstance that followed after I saw this world come to life for the first time. But truly, how could I have known? "This world came to life mere days before we received word of the emperor's return. And with everything happening following that moment... This world was left alone. I had to direct my attention to more pressing matters."

Now it appears to be dawning on her. I can almost hear the cogs turning in Luna's head. "Just before the War of Preservation began? Does that mean... Everything that happened afterwards?"

All I can do is nod. It was such an unfortunate oversight I could not have predicted. "Indeed. In this world, the War of Preservation never happened. My beloved never once ventured west. He never found the Grove of Silence. He never once met the Dragon Lord. He never once set foot on a battlefield. Nor did he ever meet a single soul out on the Empty Plains. There are so many he knows in the realm of reality who do not exist here. It cannot be helped... Just a wrench that fate threw into the works."

"Most intriguing... Truly, this is another life he is living here. Another reality if life took him down a different path." Luna appears to be more curious than troubled. And now she brings up a most pressing concern. "I don't suppose you will fill in the gaps between his memories of the real world and what has not happened here?"

My response is immediate and definitive. "No, I will not. I have set this world in motion and I will not manipulate this world around us anymore than I have just to bring it to life. I am adamant in my decision to let my beloved's life occur naturally here. I will not force anything upon him. I love him too much for that."

"A wise answer. I hope he will be as happy here as he is amongst us back home. It's an intriguing mystery over where life will take him in this world." A very good point, sister. What does lie in wait for my beloved and I in this world?

We... Drat, we got too lost in conversation, we monarchs of the dream realm. How long have we been chatting? I just felt it. The world quivers around us. And...I did not spend a single minute in his presence! "Wait... Is it time already?! I did not even get to say hello to him!"

"Whatever do you... Wait, there it is. The rippling through the world... It has not been that long already, has it? It seem the flow of time is...fickle in this world." Luna was just as oblivious to time's flow as well, was she not?

"I suppose I still have some kinks to work out... Managing the flow of time here to mirror that of a full day while we slumber... A tricky challenge, to be sure." And I was so certain that I had worked that out. Truly, this world has mysteries even I have yet to unravel.

I cannot be upset with my sister over intruding tonight. She had the right to know and I needed to set her fears to rest. Although she is certainly wearing such an apologetic smile. "I truly must apologize. I did not intend to keep you from your night of respite, especially now that I understand the situation."

Quite. She truly did take this entire evening from me. And I know just the compensation. "You are forgiven, Luna. Under one condition. A bottle of my favorite merlot. You know what brand I fancy."

What a laugh from her. Cannot be too stern in these times. "I suppose I do owe you that much. But truly, thank you for taking the time to explain the situation to me. I feared the worst, but now those fears are no more. And I will keep my visits infrequent I do not wish to interfere too much with your time with him."

Before we can awaken... This chamber we are in. So far from civilization that we can both reach with ease. It was a comfortable time, even in these ruins in the middle of the Everfree Forest. "Luna, if I may? Perhaps we could have this place serve as the destination for any future rendezvous. Seems like an ideal place to speak in private, yes?"

"I concur, sister. Perhaps we can even...tidy up a bit. Our own private penthouse? The possibilities are endless!" Oh, Luna. I was thinking the same thing!

"Agreed! I think I can spare a one more day away from my beloved to fix this place up a bit and..." And...there it goes. Awakening came early to me this time. And as I sit up in my bed, I now understand why. I woke up too early today. It is barely dawn. Celestia is bringing the sun over the eastern horizon at this very instant. The setting of the moon will likely be delayed now that Luna is likely in a rush to tend to her morning duties.

What a shame... I was so eager to spend a lovely day with my dear James, only for Luna to steal that away from us. I hope he was not expecting me today. I would dread to disappoint him.

Even so... I suppose it was only a matter of time for my fellow sister of the night to discover this ambition of mine. To expect her to never once stumble upon it while he and I dreamed together is a foolhardy notion. But she did listen. For an anxious as I was when I discovered her there amongst us, I feel so much more at ease now. Luna... I hope to not disappoint your faith in me.

I will most likely require a midday nap after awakening this early. And Luna and I must not speak to each other of this in the waking world. This secret must remain between us. But for now... A spot of wine to start my day and to drown this profound disappointment in my heart. I will return to you before long, my love. And next time, there will be no interruptions.