“Octy, are you sure we’re allowed in here?”

Octavia adjusted her cello case and looked behind her. Vinyl lingered in the dimly lit hall, shuffling her hooves with head low. Her synthesizer stood at her side in a rolling case and her sunglasses sat atop her horn.

“You’ve been shuffling your hooves ever since you saw we were going to the castle,” Octavia replied. “The guards didn’t stop us, did they? Don’t tell me little miss ‘Danger’ from our school days is worried about being caught.”

Vinyl hesitated. “This isn’t like sneaking into locker rooms for a prank. This is Canterlot Castle. We’re talking about military-grade trouble if we’re not supposed to be here.”

With an exasperated sigh, Octavia flicked her mane and gestured. “Come now, Vinyl, have you ever known me to do anything exceptionally risky on my own? I assure you, we have permission.”

Vinyl shot her a deadpan frown. “You put a Carabian Sap Tick in my bed on the day I went rock climbing.”

Octavia facehoofed. “For the last time, I didn’t know you were going rock climbing that day. You didn’t even mark your calendar.”

“That’s because you were already thinking I had a crush on that Pie girl,” Vinyl grumbled as she at last approached. “I didn’t need you to know I was gonna be hanging out with her.”

“And I still think you had a crush on her.” Octavia grabbed Vinyl’s hoof and pulled her along. “Come on, it’s just down the hall.”

Vinyl shot her a scowl. “I made one comment – one – and you think I’m gaga over a girl who lives, breathes and might even eat rocks.”

“You said her flank was smoking more than a… how did you put it?”

“Octavia—”

“Oh, right.” She smirked. “‘Smoking like an igneous still molten from the mafic flow.’ You even used her terminology.”

“Oh Goddess, you remember the exact line?” Vinyl threw up her hooves. “She was my geology tutor! I had a big test coming and had just come out of a session with her. I had rocks on the mind!”

“Clearly.” Octavia rolled her eyes with a grin and pushed through the doors with the ‘backstage’ sign. “This way.”

Not noticing the sign, Vinyl continued to glare at her. “You’re dodging the subject. Let me remind you that I had practically no magic because of that stupid bug under my coat. I nearly got killed!”

“You fell five feet,” Octavia countered as they walked past the broken piano. “Maud said there was practically no danger.”

“For an Earth pony maybe, and that doesn’t change the fact that my life was at serious risk just because I had that disgusting thing on me! That thing still gives me the—”

Octavia pushed her hoof into Vinyl’s muzzle with a chuckle. “We’re going to be arguing about this for the rest of our lives. How about we take this time—” she turned and pulled the stage curtain aside, “—to focus on this?”

Vinyl’s eyes became as wide as saucers. She stepped onto the open stage and gazed at the massive auditorium, jaw hanging loose. “O-Octy… where are we?”

“I knew you’d approve.” Octavia stepped up beside her and studied the room. “It’s the Nocturnal Theatre. It hasn’t been used in decades.”

Vinyl turned a small circle, taking in the seats, the chandeliers, the stage curtains, everything. “It’s huge. Why haven’t I heard of this place, and why isn’t it used anymore?”

Octavia sat and pulled off her cello case. “From what I was told, Princess Celestia included the theatre in the castle’s design centuries ago in honor of her sister. It fell out of use during the Age of War, when ponies were less interested in the arts and more interested in national defense. It’s been gathering dust ever since.”

Vinyl turned to her. “But how do you know about it? And what if we get caught using it? Won’t we get in—”

Straightening her back, Octavia squared her shoulders, reared her head and sucked in a long gulp of air. Her mouth opened wide to release a single long, crystal-clear A note, her soprano voice filling the magnificent auditorium. The note made Vinyl jump, her already wide eyes only growing wider at this unfamiliar display.

The sound faded, and Octavia shot her a grin. “Perfect acoustics. This is where we record.”

“Octavia…” Vinyl took a small step towards her. “I haven’t heard you sing in… in ages. I thought you didn’t do that anymore.”

Octavia’s cheeks began to burn. She promptly focused on opening her cello case. “C-come now, Vinyl, one note hardly qualifies as ‘singing.’ I was just demonstrating the quality of the room, that’s all.”

“You could have used your cello for that.” Vinyl set her synthesizer case down and sat beside her. “You’re really happy, aren’t you?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Octavia wished the heat would leave her face. “It was just one note, nothing to get worked up over.”

Vinyl studied her, then turned her peering gaze to examine the auditorium. After a few seconds she turned back to Octavia. “Why are you so sure we can use this place?”

There was a bite in her tone that made Octavia hesitate. “I… have a friend who pulled a string or two, that’s all.”

“A friend.” Vinyl leaned towards her, but Octavia refused to look her in the eye. Why wouldn’t her face cool down? “What friend?”

Octavia sucked down a calming gulp of air, grabbed her bow and used it to tap Vinyl’s muzzle. “That is for me to know. Now are you going to get your machine out, or will I be recording to the empty stands?”

Vinyl considered this answer, then shot her a smug smile. “All right, Octy, I’ll play along, but—” she pointed at her, “—if I find out this ‘friend’s’ name, I promise I will get back at you for all the teasing you put me through about Maud.”

Octavia’s smile dropped. Her brain came to a stop in the same way a train derails, and though her body was perfectly still, she was mentally flailing.

The last few months smashed together like an accordion:

Thank you for the song.

I can play another.

The struggle is the glory.

You caught her eye.

If you are afraid, leave.

Have you ever had a… ‘private’ client?

Maybe he likes you. It is a ‘he,’ isn’t it?

Why am I dreaming of you?

Because I wished to be here.

What if I don’t even deserve to be here?

No, Miss Melody. There are no ponies like you.

I fail to grasp why they don’t like you now.

You are not Nightmare Moon!

That mare is so difficult.

Are you really any better?

I’m flattered you would think me worthy.

So you’ll go?

For you? Of course I will.

Luna?

I’m really glad to be here.

“Octavia!”

She snapped out of it with a flinch, Vinyl’s red eyes boring into her. “W-what?”

“You okay?” Vinyl patted her cheek. “You zoned out on me for a second there.”

“I… I’m fine.” Octavia shook her head in an attempt to get the stars out of her eyes. “I just had a thought, that’s all.” She turned away and wondered how much blushing would be required to make her face melt.

Vinyl said nothing, though Octavia could feel her probing eyes. She paid them no mind, for hers was still running a mile a minute.

There was something ahead of Octavia. She knew it, and she felt determined to reach it. Yet it was beyond her sight; the world was shrouded in fog, and before her was a thick brush. She was pushing her way through it, snapping twigs and splashing mud the entire time. When she thought she had a clear path, she’d end up with new brambles and limbs in her face. If she tried to go around, she would inevitably find herself running in circles. Sometimes she would walk in one direction for ages, only to turn around and find herself in a new place she didn’t recognize.

The entire time, she knew what she pursued was just beyond sight. It taunted her with its very presence, unexplainable yet clear. Sometimes she called out to it, but the only response would be echoes in the fog, her voice mutating into a strange, otherworldly laughter. She grew angry and thrashed at the brambles and limbs. Then she was afraid and kept her distance, trembling but too enticed to dare flee.

She wanted whatever lay beyond the thickets and vines, and a grim desperation came over her. The longing filled her to her core, like nothing she could recall, but there was also despair. She sat in the fog and wept for her uselessness.

Then, the world changed. It was a subtle difference, almost unnoticeable, but notice it she did. It seemed as though the fog had become less substantial, the brush less of a wall and more natural, the ground more consistent and hard. It was then that Octavia realized she was dreaming.

A dark blue light shined through the thick underbrush, pushing away the branches and thorns to make a clear path. Octavia watched, her mouth slightly agape, as something tall appeared within that light, almost like a ghost. As it approached her it grew steadily more solid, until Princess Luna at last stepped into the clearing beyond the underbrush.

She smiled down at Octavia. “Hello again, my friend.”

Octavia felt a strange rising sensation in her chest, but it was offset by her uncertainty. She glanced at the fog around them, then recollected that the now-missing presence she’d been so focused on had, in fact, come from the direction Luna had appeared.

“Did you… plan that entrance?”

“Oh, no.” Luna glanced back at the leafless branches and brambles with a thoughtful expression. “That is simply where I manifested when I entered your dream. I note that you were having a mild nightmare.”

“Was I?” Octavia looked around at the fog and the blank, grey sky. “I guess I was. Strange.”

Luna turned to her. “You did not realize this was a dream until I arrived, yes?” Octavia nodded. “That’s actually the most common kind of dream there is. Ponies tend to become ‘aware’ of the dream once an alien entity arises. Your mind immediately recognized that I was not a product of its own creation, and so made you aware, first subconsciously, then directly.”

Octavia had leaned forward, her ears perked. “So… I became aware this is a dream specifically because you entered it?”

“Exactly.” Luna blushed and averted her eyes. “Did I not just say that?”

Octavia blushed in turn and offered a sheepish smile. “You did, it just took me a moment to process the information. Wait…” She stood and gestured to herself. “Did you come here to start teaching me about dreams?”

“Indeed I did.” Luna waved at their surroundings. “And it appears I’m doing so at just the right time. I can’t help wondering what this is all about, and would be more than willing to interpret this dream if you’d like.”

Octavia opened her mouth to respond, but hesitated. She didn’t know why, but suddenly she wasn’t sure she wanted to know the meaning by the dream. “Do… all dreams have meaning?”

“No.” Luna paced a small circle to take in the area. “Yet nightmares typically do.”

“Then… let’s not.” Octavia offered a weak smile. “I’d like to learn more for myself. Maybe I can interpret it on my own in time.”

Luna turned to smile at her. “Very good! In that case, perhaps I can show you more about the active control of dreams. Also…” Luna pointed over Octavia’s shoulder.

Blinking, Octavia turned around and found her cello and, of all things, Vinyl’s synthesizer sitting in the grass behind her. “What? When did these get here?”

“You subconsciousness summoned them just now,” Luna said. “Presumably, your session with your friend is on your mind.”

Octavia stepped up to the synthesizer and felt at its rough surface, covered in the marks of age she’d grown so accustomed to. Vinyl came to mind, and with her the questions that had been plaguing Octavia all day long. Realizing Luna was watching her as she reflected on those thoughts brought that frustrating burn back to her cheeks.

Luna appeared at her side. “How did the recording session go?”

“Good.” Octavia glanced away and struggled to regain her composure. “Vinyl kept bugging me about… about just who gave me permission to use the theatre.”

“Of course. Who could blame her?”

Octavia sat and tapped her hooves together, a strangely familiar anxiety filling her. It was just like all the times she tried to make herself do something with other ponies. Her indecision before Vinyl’s door came to mind; yes, this sinking feeling in her stomach was just like that. The possibilities were swimming in her thoughts…

“Well, this is unexpected.”

Octavia blinked and looked up. No longer were they surrounded by fog; instead, they were in a hallway of the Nocturnal Wing, Luna’s door standing tall and imposing before her. The sight of it made her ears fold back and she lowered her head just slightly.

Luna gave her a curious look. “Was there something you wanted to ask me, Octavia?”

“Um… I…” Octavia’s heart pounding against her ribs as she sought a response. She couldn’t say what was really on her mind, she just couldn’t! She needed something else, a distraction…

Luna touched her chin, leading her to look into the princess’s eyes – beautiful eyes, Octavia suddenly remembered. Yet even as the blush hit her cheeks, Octavia found a question that she could ask. Indeed, it should have been asked a long time ago.

“Does our relationship need to be a secret?”

She was surprised by how smoothly the words came out.

“Secret?” Luna blinked, then sat and rubbed her chin. “I… Well, I suppose…”

Octavia leaned forward. “I want to tell my friends about you, but I’ve always had this feeling that you wanted me to keep quiet about it. I mean, you never said it, but that’s the impression I had.”

“And it was intentional,” Luna admitted, her brow furrowing. “I admit, I was nervous in the beginning. I didn’t want your reputation hurt by our friendship.”

“I don’t think it will be,” Octavia said. “And even if it was, I’d be willing to take that hit. Why shouldn’t we celebrate our relationship to anypony who might notice?”

Luna raised an eyebrow. “You make it sound as though you wish for some public proclamation.”

“No, I just—” Octavia paused, her cheeks flushing once more as an idea found its way into her head. It was absurd, but under the current circumstances… “I know. How about we meet?”

“Meet?” Luna cocked her head. “We meet once a week, dreams notwithstanding.”

“I mean… outside the castle.” Octavia kept her eyes on her rubbing hooves. “In public.” She shrank a little. “Maybe for dinner?”

Luna stared at Octavia for a while, and then her eyes began that familiar dance. When she spoke, her words came very slowly. “I suppose there’s no need to keep things a secret anymore, if you’re that willing. I mean, the guards all know, and if they do then surely others such as their families are aware. So it’s really more of a public secret now, yes?”

“Exactly!” Octavia’s ears perked. “And it’s not like we’re doing anything flashy, just having dinner together at a restaurant.”

“Yes, that works.” Luna’s lips slowly turned up in a smile as she continued to think on the matter. “Yes… yes. I’ve never… what is the phrase? Oh yes, spent a ‘night on the town.’”

Octavia’s smile faded. “Really? Not once?”

Luna coughed and glanced away. “Not since I returned from exile.”

Octavia reached up to touch Luna’s shoulder, her smile returning. “If it’s any consolation, I almost never do this kind of thing myself. We can break new ground for the both of us; you can have a little more public presence, and I can finally let my friends know who I’ve been going to see every Wednesday.”

A musical, wonderful laugh arose from Luna’s lips. “I can see how that must be awkward! Your friends must suspect you of having a lover.”

A shard of ice ran through Octavia’s chest, making her flinch. She managed to keep her smile, but barely. Even as she puzzled over this mysteriously distressing sensation, she said, “It has come up from time to time.”

Luna giggled. “Well, that simply will not do.” A second shard to the heart. “Why don’t we go out this weekend? My treat.”

“G-good.” Octavia’s smile became a grin. “Then you can choose the location.”

“Me? But I don’t know any restaurants.” Luna tapped her chin. “I could always ask Celestia. If there’s anything I trust, it’s for her to try every dessert of every culinary establishment in town.” She beamed, her wings flapping. “This is a wonderful idea! Octavia, I dare say you are a genius.”

Octavia almost bounced. “Really? I didn’t think you’d be so excited.”

“But of course I am! This is an opportunity for me to be seen in a new light. My image in Ponyville has been saved; now it is time to do the same in Canterlot! Thank you, Octavia. Truly, you are like a star sparkling in the night. I shudder to think where I’d be today if I did not have your friendship.”

A curious warmth filled Octavia as she beamed up at Luna. “It has been my pleasure.”

There was a pleasant pause as they both stood, smiling at one another. Octavia had a lot of questions, but for now she chose to simply delight in this moment.

Luna abruptly shook her head. “Oh, what are we doing? I came here to teach you about dreams. How about we begin?”

Octavia nodded, that warm feeling not fading. “Certainly. Where do we start?”

“With a demonstration.” Luna stood beside Octavia, then pointed at the wall before them. “I want you to think of something important to you, something that makes you happy. Try to envision it before you.”

“Just like that?” Octavia stared at the marble wall. “Okay, I’ll try.”

She closed her eyes and thought about what made her happy. Her instinct was to focus on music, yet her mind kept shifting. She kept seeing Luna, but every time she did she pushed the image down. It would certainly appear awkward to have her appear in front of them.

What else?

She thought of Vinyl’s song, which did indeed make her happy, but it was also linked with a jealousy she couldn’t refute. Luna…

No! Something else! Her family, perhaps? Her friends?

“It can be a bit difficult if you’re not used to it,” Luna said. She sounded so close, and suddenly her image was back in Octavia’s vision.

She cringed even as her heart beat a little faster. What was this she kept feeling? Ever since Vinyl made that pointless statement earlier! It wasn’t an entirely new feeling, she simply hadn’t paid it much mind. She—

“No!”

“Pardon?”

Octavia shook her head violently. “I’m sorry, I’m just thinking.”

“Relax.” Luna’s soothing voice was directly in her ear. It sent a shiver down her spine. There was the cool touch of feathers draping over her back. “Don’t be so tense. This is supposed to be a happy thought.”

“I know, it’s just…” Octavia clamped her mouth closed, her cheeks going crimson.

“Just imagine it, Octavia. Something that puts you at ease. An individual, a location, perhaps an item. Be calm, think clearly.”

How was she supposed to think clearly when Luna kept whispering into her ear like that? Now the image of Luna was stuck in her brain, and Octavia had no way to know if she would ever be able to dislodge it. She couldn’t let Luna see that, not until she herself had figured out why it kept showing up. She needed…

In her mind’s eye, she noted something about Luna: her mane. Sparkling, gentle, calm. It was so serene, serene like the night. Just like that, she saw it: the two of them, relaxing under the stars of Luna’s balcony, taking in the cool night air and the eternity above them. No words spoken, just a relaxing, pleasing presence. Octavia sucked in a long breath and felt the tension fading.

The vision of Luna blurred as her mane began to spread, growing larger by the second. Soon all Octavia could see in her calmed mind was the sight of countless stars.

“Oh my…”

Octavia’s ear perked towards Luna. “Did… did it work?”

“Open your eyes and see for yourself.”

She did so, and the world was stars. Above, below, all around, nothing but a black eternity filled with sparkling jewels. It took Octavia’s breath away. She looked down to find nothing beneath her hooves. Slowly, Octavia turned a circle to take it all in, a smile slowly forming on her lips.

“Did I do this?”

“You most certainly did,” Luna whispered, “and it is wonderful. A night to rival my own.”

That was when Octavia saw Luna. Not just ‘saw’ her, but saw her. She sat aside from Octavia, her gaze lifted to the bedazzling sky and her glorious cyan eyes sparkling as if they were stars themselves. Her dark blue coat was outlined by the shimmering jewels, her long legs and pristine body made all the more perfect. And her mane – that impossible, incredible mane – merged with the world. Once again, she appeared as a beautiful night goddess, from whom all the darkness and stars were birthed in a faultless act of creation.

The stars had stolen Octavia’s breath. Luna threatened to keep it forever.

“I am honored that you think so highly of my night.” Luna turned to smile at her. “It is beautiful.”

Octavia gave a feeble nod. “It is.”

She blinked and turned away, her cheeks burning and her eyes shifting wildly. “It… it is.” Her breath came back in a burst, she clutched at her chest. She took long, slow gasps, her mind reeling with a sudden comprehension that was as powerful as it was frightening.

“Octavia?” Luna stepped closer. “Is something wrong?”

“No, I just…” She scrambled for a suitable answer. She looked up at Luna and thought her heart skipped a beat upon seeing those precious eyes. “I just didn’t realize how special you… your night is to me.”

The princess gained that heart-melting smile she was so good at. “And now you may enjoy it every night in your dreams. When we are done, you will know everything you need to make this special world, and any other you may wish to witness.”

“Th-this one will do nicely.” Octavia gave her a beaming smile. “But… can we just enjoy this sight for a while?”

“Of course.” Luna nodded and turned her eyes back to the stars. “You did do a wonderful job creating them, after all.”

They sat in the darkness, taking in the serenity of their surroundings. Every now and then Octavia would steal a peek at her princess and feel moths in her stomach. Though her mind was swimming with the potential consequences of her realization, she felt so at ease that, for the time being, she was content.

She had to work hard to keep from moving closer to Luna.

Celestia was waiting when Luna landed on the balcony of the Nocturnal Tower. She offered a curious smile. “You are late, sister.”

Luna blushed as she folded her wings and enveloped Celestia in a tight hug. “Forgive me, dear sister. It has been a distracting night.”

“By the way you’re smiling, I presume it was a pleasant distraction.” Celestia returned the hug. “What has you so happy?”

“Nothing.” Luna turned away swiftly and began to work her magic. “Let us end this night before our citizens begin to wonder.”

“I’m the one who is wondering,” Celestia replied.

Luna gave a weak chuckle, her horn shining brightly. As the moon began its final descent and the sun rose, the stars faded into the brightened sky. Her smile broadened as, one by one, they hid under the light of day. “Goodbye, my friends. I look forward to seeing you tonight.”

“Are you actually addressing the stars?” Celestia peered at Luna, who coughed and averted her gaze. “What has my dear little sister been up to all night?”

“I only gave Octavia her first lesson in dreams,” Luna replied. “It was an endearing time.”

A small gasp arose from Celestia. “Luna, that’s incredible. You stopped teaching ponies that long before even… well, you know.” It was her turn to avert her gaze.

Luna looked to her sister, a small pang running through her. As she studied Celestia, however, something more than their troubled past caught her attention: Celestia’s ears were low, her eyelids drooped and her shoulders sagged just slightly. They were such clear signs, and Luna had a feeling she knew what they involved.

“Celestia… you were right about Octavia.”

Celestia gave her a curious look, but then smiled warmly. “I am pleased to hear it.”

Moving close to nuzzle her shoulder, Luna whispered, “I would like to repay you for… ‘introducing’ us.”

A light laugh rose from Celestia. “That’s nonsense, little sister. After all I put you through, you need not repay me for anything.”

“I could teach you.”

Celestia abruptly stepped back, her expression firm. “No, Luna. We’ve spoken of this before. My responsibility is the day, and I—”

Luna pressed a hoof to her lips. “You misunderstand. I know you are having frequent nightmares, Celestia.”

Her eyes widening slightly, Celestia took another step back. “Luna… I have told you before, my dreams are my own.”

“Yet I can see they are affecting you terribly.” Luna raised her hooves imploringly. “If you would let me in this once, I can—”

“No.” Celestia shook her head forcefully. “My dreams are private. You cannot teach me without seeing my dreams, which you know I expressly forbade long ago. I appreciate the offer, but—”

“What are you so afraid of?”

Celestia’s eyes became like saucers and her lip trembled. “A-afraid? Sister, I am not afraid.”

“Do not lie to me!” Luna took a step forward; Celestia retreated. “Every few nights I notice you thrashing about in your bed. You are having a recurring nightmare, Celestia, which means there must be a cause. Let me help you.”

Celestia stared at her for several seconds, then turned away. “Luna… you can’t help me with this.”

Luna found her familiar worries coming back, but she pushed them down. “I have said that to you before, have I not?” She saw Celestia grow tense and knew she’d hit a mark. “When I was at my most stubborn, when we did not talk to one another, I let my anger erupt. Please, Celestia, talk to me.”

“This is nothing so severe.” Celestia sighed and turned to Luna. “If it will ease you… Twilight. I am dreaming of Twilight.”

“Your protégé?” Luna cocked her head. “What would cause you to have nightmares regarding her?”

“I fear for her, sister.” Celestia turned her gaze south, to the barely-visible town of Ponyville. “She has become like a daughter to me, and she’s been away from my watchful gaze for so long. There was an incident prior to Nightmare Night that reminded me of just how fragile she can be. Worse, she is indeed my protégé, and I fear there are great trials in her future that I have not prepared her for.”

Luna carefully studied her sister, looking for any sign of deception. She found none. Though she remained unconvinced that Celestia was telling her the full truth, she could accept that this was indeed a heavy weight on her mind.

“Perhaps you should go to visit her,” Luna said, sitting next to her. “I recall you mentioning that her birthday is coming.”

“Oh, I don’t know…” Celestia smiled weakly and averted her eyes. “She’s finally free of the nest, if you will. I’d hate to impose.”

Luna giggled and nuzzled her sister’s neck. “Come now, that pony adores you. I think she would be absolutely delighted to have you visit for her birthday.”

Celestia returned the motion. “Do you really think so?”

“After how she spoke of you on Nightmare Night? Celestia, I know so.”

“Well then… perhaps I should make a day of it.” Celestia gave Luna a warm smile. “Thank you, sister. It seems you are the one giving advice now.”

Luna struck a haughty pose. “Of course, I was always the smarter of the two of us.” She felt a magical tug on her ear and winced with a grin. “You know it’s true.”

“Having been the better student does not make you smarter,” Celestia countered with a playful roll of her eyes. “Maybe I was just bored at having to be reduced to our teachers’ level.”

“And perhaps a parasprite will begin fasting.” They shared a chuckle, but then a thought came to Luna. “Are the ponies aware of our birthdays?”

Celestia heaved an exaggerated groan. “I had all records of such information burned centuries ago for ‘national security’ reasons, thank the Goddess.”

“Oh, good.” Luna pressed a hoof to her chest and exhaled. “I’d hate for the public to know they are being ruled by a pair of spinster crones.”

They shared another laugh, but then Celestia turned to the door. “This ‘old crone’ is in need of coffee.”

Luna watched her go, her smile fading. “Celestia?”

Celestia paused and looked back, her face once again showing her weariness.

“My offer will always remain.” Luna leaned towards her. “Please, at least keep it in mind.”

Celestia remained silent, her expression unreadable. She then approached and wrapped her legs and wings about Luna in a tight embrace.

“Thank you, little sister. I love you.”

She left Luna to her pondering.