Octavia reread her letter to Frederick, checking it for errors. That task proved difficult, considering she kept going back over the part about Luna. Every time she did, she felt her heart do a little flip. She had spent the past few days thinking about it, and at this point there could be no denying her situation. She’d never be able to say it out loud, but it was there nonetheless.

As she set the letter in an envelope, Octavia thought on her feelings once more. Inexperienced as she was in social situations, even she knew that this couldn’t be left idle for long. Luna needed to know the truth, and Octavia had tossed and turned for three nights in a row trying to find a way to make it happen. After all, how does one just… admit such a thing? It seemed downright impossible.

But it wasn’t. Octavia had figured out what to do. Though imperfect, she had a plan, and she felt confident that it would do the job. Luna would discover Octavia’s feelings through her music.

Yes, her music.

There was no time to waste, and she was eager to start. Already the tunes were running through her head; different, but not quite special enough. It could take months to refine, and maybe require the help of a few friends, but if she could make it work…

She trotted into the lobby and tossed the letter into the Send box, making sure to greet the desk clerk with a friendly smile before heading out. The air was cold and the sky overcast, but Octavia pranced through the streets as if it were a perfect Spring day, her cello case shifting to her bouncing step. She waved to random ponies, hummed to herself and even stopped to smell the roses of a local vendor. Her hooves felt lighter than air as she made her way to the Arts District.

The entire world seemed bright and beautiful: the towering structure of Canterlot Castle glistened even without a sun; the wind caressed Octavia’s mane; all the ponies around her were friendly and charming; the thrum of the city was a gentle music to her ears. For what may have been the first time, Octavia marveled at how wonderful Canterlot was.

“Octavia!”

Beauty and Parish waved to her from atop the steps of the Music Hall. She smiled and trotted up to them. “Hello, you two. It’s been a little while, hasn’t it?”

They shared nonplussed looks, then Parish pointed at her. “We’re usually the ones who have to tell you that.”

“Well, today I beat you to it,” she countered with a grin. “Sorry I’ve been so out of touch lately. Again.”

Yet another curious glance passed between her friends. “You’re awfully happy this morning,” Beauty said.

Octavia blinked and realized that they were staring. “Of course I am, why shouldn’t I be?”

Parish rubbed the back of his head and averted his eyes. “We don’t mean anything by it.”

“Yeah,” Beauty added. “It’s just that you’re usually not so openly cheerful.” She leaned forward with a suspecting smile. “Did something happen?”

The implication of Beauty’s words weren’t lost on Octavia. She grinned and flicked her mane. “There’s always a possibility.”

Their jaws dropped. A third, longer look passed between them as Octavia relished their reactions.

Parish was the first to recover. “Y-you… Octy, you’re toying with us, right?”

“No,” Beauty said with awe in her voice. “Octavia never jokes about this kind of thing.”

“But I… I mean…” Parish dropped to his haunches and began toying with his hooves. “Octavia, w-what about…”

Beauty’s shock at last faded, as indicated by her abrupt bounce. She pounced, her muzzle pressed to Octavia’s. “Who is it? I want a name, address, next of kin, juicy details!”

Octavia pushed her back with a giddy laugh. “Calm down, it might not be what you’re thinking.”

“Oh, it most certainly is what I’m thinking,” Beauty countered. “Look at you, you’re practically glowing. If that’s not the rosy red cheeks of a mare under Princess Cadance’s spell, I’ll sell my sousaphone!”

“Really, you’re looking too deep into it.” Octavia didn’t want to give them everything, not yet, but it was fun leading them on. “Something did happen, but I won’t say anything beyond that.”

“No fair!” Beauty crossed her legs and huffed. “You mean after all this time you finally open up, and you’re not even gonna tell us who he is? Don’t think you can convince me it’s anything else, Octy.”

“I can’t believe this.” Parish toyed with the ground he was staring so intently at. “This isn’t how it was supposed to go. I saw you first, for Celestia’s sake.”

A pang of guilt ran through Octavia at the sight of him. “Parish… I kept telling you it wasn’t going to happen.”

“I know, but a guy can dream, can’t he?” He pouted and gave her a big-eyed look. “What’s this guy got that I don’t?”

Octavia rubbed the back of her neck and blushed. “Umm… well, I didn’t say there was somepony, so…” How to put him at ease without outright lying?

Beauty patted him on the shoulder, her expression unusually soft. “Sorry, Parish. You really shouldn’t have put all your hopes on her like that.” He only stared at his hooves some more.

A moment of silence passed, Octavia and Beauty fidgeting as the situation grew awkward. Beauty turned to Octavia. “So… why all the secrecy? Can’t you tell us a little?”

At that, Octavia found a reason to smile again. “My secrets have a purpose. You two read the news much?”

Beauty gained a curious expression, and even Parish looked up at her with uncertainty. “The news?” Beauty asked. “What’s that got to do with anything?”

“I’m going to be doing something important tonight,” Octavia replied with a smug smile. “I have every reason to believe it’ll be in the papers tomorrow.”

Beauty’s eyes came alive. “Oh, really? Is this your way of coming out, then?”

Octavia paused to consider the particular phrase Beauty had used. The thought made her smile broaden. “Why yes. As a matter of fact, it is.” Beauty clapped her hooves with an excited giggle. Parish only sagged a little lower, if such were possible.

“In the meantime,” Octavia said, “I have something very important I must do. It’s going to be a lot of hard work, but worth it.” She came forward and embraced Beauty. “Don’t ever change, BB.”

Beauty returned the embrace without hesitation. “This isn’t like you at all. I’m looking forward to seeing what lucky stallion has caught you.”

“Whatever you say, Beauty.” Octavia chuckled and backed away… then embraced Parish. He went stiff at first, but gradually raised his hooves to clutch her in a tight hug. “I’m truly sorry, Parish. There’s a mare out there for you, it just isn’t me. For what it’s worth, thank you for pushing me.”

She pulled away and offered her best smile. “I’ll see you both later. Soon, I promise.”

With that, she trotted for the entrance of the music hall feeling light as a feather.

Luna ascended the steps of Canterlot Castle’s tallest tower at a trot. Within her blew a storm of emotions; anticipation, fear, eagerness and uncertainty, just to name a few. Her mind centered on the coming evening with both purpose and trepidation. Should she be smiling? She felt like it, but every time the corners of her lips began to rise she would think of the potential for disaster and frown once more.

She found Celestia waiting for her at the great balcony with a smile. “Good evening, Luna! Are you prepared for tonight?”

“As prepared as I can be, I suppose.” Luna accepted her sister’s embrace.

Celestia sat back and gave her a concerned look. “Whatever is the matter? I thought you were looking forward to this.”

“I am.” Luna fidgeted and turned her eyes to the horizon. “I just… I want things to go well.”

“Go well?” Celestia cocked her head to one side. “Have you any reason to believe otherwise?”

Luna remained silent for a while. “I fear that it will make a dramatic display this night.”

“Oh.” Celestia hesitated, then turned to face the horizon with her sister. “I know it is your duty, Luna, but… if it does come, perhaps this once you should ignore it.”

“It is angry, sister.” Luna stared at the orange sky, feeling light with apprehension. “It has been for some time. The ponies it threatens are at risk of losing their lives in their sleep. How am I to ignore that?”

“I know,” Celestia whispered. “Believe me, Luna, I know. There comes a time when you realize that you cannot save everypony. You need to take some time for yourself every now and then or the responsibility will wear you thin and make you vulnerable.”

Luna gazed at her; Celestia wouldn’t meet her eyes. “Speaking from experience, dear sister?” When Celestia didn’t answer, Luna sighed and turned her attention back to the horizon. “It is like an infant that screams all the louder when it is ignored. It could be that it will grow silent should I leave it alone.”

She had meant to encourage herself, but she didn’t feel at all confident. Her mind drifted to Octavia, and how disappointed she would be if Luna had to cancel because of the enemy. It was a terrible image, but one she knew she could tolerate.

Celestia finally spoke up. “Is there anything I can do to put you at ease?”

“Not unless you decide to learn Dreamweaving,” Luna replied with a voice far calmer than she felt. “Otherwise, the only way would be for it to enter your dreams… but then I’d have to follow it inside.”

“I see.” Celestia still wouldn’t look at her. “Would you follow it if it did?”

Luna shook her head. “I would not know if it had. I can see that ponies are having nightmares, sister, but I cannot know if the enemy is responsible until I have entered the dream myself.” She turned to nuzzle Celestia’s neck. “If it started entering your dreams… you would let me know, wouldn’t you? We cannot permit you to be a safe haven for it.”

Celestia frowned as she considered the suggestion. “I am not sure if I would know of its presence, but if it did enter my dreams and I was aware, then yes, I would let you know.”

“Do you promise?” Luna stepped back to gaze imploringly into her sister’s pink eyes. “I must hear you promise, Celestia.”

At her tone, Celestia gained a warm smile. “Luna, we must trust one another. Of course I promise.”

“Very good.” The words sounded hollow to Luna’s ears, but she somehow managed to smile for her sister. It wasn’t enough. She knew it wasn’t enough… but Celestia was Celestia, and pressing the issue now would bear no fruit. Holding in a sigh, she turned to face the horizon. “Come, we’ll be late.”

“Quite right.”

Luna reached out with her magic and touched the moon. She welcomed its weight and took pleasure in the gathering darkness. Slowly, the white orb began to peer over the horizon, the sun descending at the same even pace. Luna found herself engrossed in the combined sunset and moonrise, how the sky gradually shifted from a warm orange glow to a blanketing, velvety darkness. The stars began their playful twinkling.

“Beautiful,” Celestia whispered as the last rays of sunlight faded beneath the glimmering night sky. “I think we are finally starting to sync, dear sister.”

A fresh warmth filled Luna at the thought. Her smile broadened as she gazed upon the glittering jewels of her starscape. “We did well indeed.” She gazed down at the city of Canterlot, her chest swelling with pride. Somewhere down there, Octavia was preparing for dinner. Combined with the beautiful night and this perfect achievement with her sister, it granted a distinct confidence to her.

“I won’t let this night be ruined,” she declared, turning from the balcony with head held high. “This night is important, for Octavia as well as myself. I will enjoy it, and no nightmare-inducing fiend will stop that.”

“Good!” Celestia embraced her a second time. “Very good, Luna. Make this a special night for the two of you. You both deserve it so much.”

Luna gave her a warm smile as they parted. “Thank you, sister. Your meddling has actually worked for a change.”

“Meddle? Me?” Celestia pressed a hoof to her heart and raised her head flamboyantly. “I am offended, and scoff at your suggestion! Now go—” she thrust her hoof at the doorway, “—take your insulting accusations and be on your way, before my acquaintances at the restaurant start to think you aren’t coming.”

Luna stifled a giggle and pranced for the door. “Very well, oh spymaster. I’ll be sure to smile and wave for your agents when I see them at the next table.”

“Luna?”

She paused halfway through the doorway and looked back. The warm smile on Celestia’s face was accompanied by a clear and present happiness in her eyes. “I am very proud of you, little sister. It is good to have you back.”

Luna returned the smile with equal warmth. “It is good to be back.”

She descended the stairs, thoughts of her old foe far from her mind.

It was preposterous, a stupid idea that would achieve nothing. Octavia knew that there was no point. The thought had come on a whim and should have been abandoned upon conception. Yet there she stood, gazing upon herself in the mirror in a familiar dress.

It was an abomination, with its foreleg sleeves that were too stiff, its bodice that was much too tight and the skirt that forced her tail up a little too high for her liking. Even so… it did look good on her. As she turned to the side and studied her reflection, she could feel her cheeks growing hot. What was she thinking? She had a half-dozen dresses and a suit that were perfectly valid attire for the restaurant they would be attending. There was no need to put this red thing on.

This stupid, form-fitting, eye-catching, enticing red thing.

Octavia shook her head and left the bedroom, her hoofsteps loud in the quiet apartment. She was getting ahead of herself, and knew it. Luna probably wouldn’t even notice, but it was too late to change out of it. If Parish could see her now…

Her cheeks started to burn again. Octavia half-feared her makeup would run because of it.

Yet despite the way her heart kept cutting flips, she noticed how light her steps felt. She smiled and pranced for the door. Just as she reached up to open it, however, there came a hard knocking that made her jump. Octavia’s heart hit her throat; now was not the time for a distraction!

She opened the door and shrank back: a royal guard stood opposite the threshold. He had the same grim frown they always did, his head held high as he stared down his muzzle at her. Fears of a cancellation ran rampant through Octavia mind.

The guard stood back from her and inclined his head. “Lady Melody, the princess awaits outside.”

Octavia’s jaw dropped; Luna was there? She felt her heart do another flip as she nodded. “V-very well, show me the way.”

The door closed and locked, Octavia walked behind the guard. Her mind already ran circles, and the dinner hadn’t even begun! Why would Luna come to pick her up?

No, she was reading too deeply into it.

But what if she wasn’t? Octavia glanced at her dress and chewed her lip. It couldn’t be, Luna was just being kind. Luna probably hadn’t even dressed up for the occasion, being royalty and therefore not necessarily subjected to dress codes. A casual, public visit between two friends, that’s all this would be.

Octavia had anticipated Luna standing out on the streets waiting for her. Instead she got Luna’s carriage, sleek and dark and just a little imposing. Luna waited for her, and the sight of that smiling alicorn had Octavia’s heart hammering against her chest. She’d not come unadorned, oh no; she wore a long, silken dress of light brown, accented with dark blue trim and a wide collar. Not a color Octavia would have expected on her, but there could be no arguing the results: Luna defined radiance.

“A good evening to you, my friend.” Luna smiled and moved aside, giving her room. Octavia stared at her, entranced, prompting Luna to add with a blush, “I know, the dress is not exactly of my usual variety.”

“N-no, it’s not that.” Octavia shook herself from her ogling reverie and made to enter the chariot, but paused. Her hoof hovered over the frame and her stomach began to twist. A distinct feeling came over her that, upon taking this step, there would be no turning back. Turning back from what, she couldn’t say.

“Is something wrong, Octavia?”

The moment passed, and Octavia entered the carriage. “It’s the sleeves,” she muttered with eyes low. “They take some getting used to.”

“I’m surprised you are wearing a dress with sleeves,” Luna admitted as she nodded to the two earth ponies pulling the chariot. It rocked forward promptly. “It’s not as common a fashion style as it was back before my exile.”

“I see.” Octavia managed a weak smile. “I, um, didn’t expect you to come here with the chariot. I thought we were meeting there.” She glanced at the sidewalk and saw how the ponies were watching them pass. At first she felt tempted to hide her face, but resisted the urge. After all, she’d wanted to be seen with Luna, hadn’t she?

“I thought this would be a good way to grant myself more attention,” Luna said. “After all, the whole point of this night is to remind everypony that I am here. Besides,” she added with a warm smile, “I believe we are close enough to warrant you riding at my side.”

Octavia returned the smile, but her head was swimming. It was delightful to be so welcomed, yet the direct reminder of what Luna expected from this night shackled her hopes and aborted their takeoff. Those words forced Octavia to acknowledge that, despite what her foalish hopes might have been, this night belonged to Luna.

“Sleeves or no,” Luna abruptly added, “that dress looks lovely on you.”

The shackles shattered and Octavia’s heart soared. “Thank you!”

She loved that dress.

The rest of the trip was short and quiet, both ponies content to simply enjoy one another’s company. Octavia’s nervousness had been washed away with that lone compliment. Only her close proximity to Luna could make her anxious; the chariot had been designed to hold only one pony, after all. She kept as close to the chariot’s outer frame as she could without being obvious, but the occasional bump of the shoulders or flanks was unavoidable.

Luna didn’t seem to mind the cramped space. She watched the buildings roll by, occasionally waving to the ponies they passed. By their expressions, one would think that Luna’s return had been yesterday rather than over a year ago. Then again, Celestia didn’t make regular, unannounced rides through the city, so surprise did seem an appropriate response.

The restaurant they came to was a tall structure of browns and oranges. Although it maintained the architectural style of Canterlot, the colors and textures of the building were inescapably Gryphan in nature. A griffon holding a steaming plate of éclairs grinned down at them from above tall double doors, with the words Ailes du Plaisir emblazoned beneath him.

Octavia knew of this restaurant. Specifically, she knew it was far above her pay grade. A long line of ponies stood before the entrance and included a few griffons and one minotaur. As their upheld muzzles turned in the direction of the chariot, Octavia felt distinctly insignificant in the face of their impeccable suits and dresses.

Yet the moment Luna stepped down, those muzzles rushed to touch the ground. She waited for them to rise and offered them all a pleasant smile. Octavia stood beside her and basked in the princess’s presence. The murmurs and curious looks didn’t faze her in the least as they walked side-by-side for the host. The ponies in line wasted no time standing aside.

The host smiled up at Luna, though her wide eyes gave away her anxiety. “Good evening, Princess! Welcome to Ailes du Plaisir. We have your table prepared, as requested.” The excited whispers followed Octavia into the restaurant, making her grin.

The interior of the restaurant was brightly lit, with tall ceilings awash in some yellow, glowing substance. Octavia stared up at it with curiosity, having never seen the reputed glowgel of Grypha before. How much must it have cost to import? The tables were all made of solid stone, the bottom parts appearing to be untouched rock formations while the tops had been smoothed flat and polished to a reflective sheen. A dark brown stone comprised the walls; moss hung from cracks and exotic-looking plants grew along the edges of the room.

At the center of the expansive dining room stood a single tall boulder that rose high above everypony’s heads. A staircase encircled it, rising to a balcony-like structure resting near the top of the stone that acted as a second floor, though in terms of height it would be more accurate to call it a fourth storey. The host quickly led them to the stairwell which, to Octavia’s surprise, actually moved on its own.

Octavia was only half-listening to the host as she tallied out the evening’s specialties. She instead focused her attention on the mysterious moving staircase that slowly brought them around the great boulder. She looked out at the packed dining room and marveled at the restaurant’s design. As they rounded the back of the boulder, they discovered a thin waterfall cascading along the rocks, slipping just beneath the stairs and onward to a large pool and fountain below.

They reached the top of the stairs and were promptly guided to the table that stood right before the top of the waterfall, which flowed through an opening in the floor surrounded by short shrubs bursting with purple and yellow flowers. Octavia sat on a cushion that had likely been made from griffon down, her haunches cooled by the touch of velvet.

“Wow,” Octavia said as soon as they had been left alone. She looked up at the glowing ceiling once more. “Luna, this place is beyond amazing.”

“Celestia says the same thing about the éclairs they make here.” Luna shifted and glanced at the waterfall. “You don’t think I chose too flamboyant an establishment, do you?”

“No, no.” Octavia shook her head quickly and offered a smile. “Not at all! I mean, I could never afford to eat at a place such as this on my own, so I should be relishing the opportunity.”

Luna relaxed. “Good, for a moment I thought you would be intimidated.” She lifted the menu in her magic. “Let us see what they have, hmm?”

Octavia followed suite, scouring the surprisingly large drink menu first. Their server approached and took their drink orders, after which Octavia asked, “Have you ever had Gryphan cuisine?”

“Of course.” Luna nodded from behind her menu. “But the last time was before my exile, so I am very curious as to how the style has evolved over the centuries.”

That was better than Octavia; when she thought of Gryphan food, she couldn’t escape the image of meat and blood. There was none of that on the menu, although she did notice a small note at the bottom of the front page offering a ‘griffon diet’ menu.

The silence was interrupted by a grey-colored griffon in a chef’s toque and a moustache for the ages. “Bonjour, Princess!” He bowed to Luna on two legs. “And to your lovely companion, d’ailleurs. I am Gustave le Grand, the ’umble proprietor and chef of zis establishment. Ma foi, it is an ’onor to serve you both.”

Luna blessed both Gustave and Octavia with a charming smile. “A good evening, sir. My sister has spoken highly of your cuisine, and so I decided to partake.”

“Ah, I am ‘umbled!” Gustave grinned and rubbed his moustache with a paw. “Zat Celestia praises my work is too grand even for le Grand! For such lovely and special guests, I must insist upon preparing your meals myself. Do tell me, ‘ave you ‘ad ze opportunity to study my menu?”

His gaze swept towards Octavia, leading her to quickly avert her eyes from that whip-like moustache. “I haven’t had the opportunity to peruse the entire menu, I fear.”

Luna nodded and turned to Gustave. “What would you recommend, sir Gustave?”

That question proved a mistake, for the flashy griffon apparently loved not only food, but also talking about it. He went through a lengthy description of his four favorite dishes, complete with anecdotes regarding their ingredient sources, preparation and presentation. It took nearly ten minutes for him to finish, but even so, Octavia had to give him credit; his descriptions had her mouth watering. He’d done such a good job, in fact, that neither she nor Luna bothered to check the menu, instead ordering directly from his quartet of favorites.

With that – and Gustave – out of the way, Octavia made herself comfortable and observed Luna. The princess faced her, but Luna’s eyes were sifting through the surrounding tables and she had a wry smirk.

“Looking for something?” Octavia asked.

The smirk broadened. “While raising the moon tonight, Celestia and I joked about her sending spies to check on our evening. I’m trying to ascertain if she actually did.”

Octavia cocked her head. “You really believe she’d do that?”

Luna looked at her as if she’d grown a second head. “She’s Celestia.”

“Uh-huh.” Octavia blushed with a lopsided smile. “I guess I’m just not used to it.”

“It is a source of amusement for her, I fear.” Luna shrugged and shifted to a more relaxed position. “This was a wonderful suggestion, Octavia.”

Octavia saw that warm smile and felt the blood rushing to her cheeks. “I thought so, too.”

“You always seem to be thinking of my well-being.” Luna’s tone had softened, which was enough to catch Octavia’s full attention. “I wish I’d had you as a friend a year ago. I have decided to take steps and repay you.”

“Repay me?” Octavia fidgeted, uncertain of how she should feel about that suggestion. It felt good to be appreciated, of course, but… “I don’t know if I deserve anything like that, Luna. I mean, you were paying me for the first few weeks, you’re teaching me how to control my dreams, and now you’re treating me here. I wouldn’t feel comfortable taking anything else.”

“This is something different,” Luna said, her smile warm. “It is nothing physical that I will be offering, nor is it a lesson.”

That gave Octavia pause. “I don’t understand. What are you going to do, teach me magic?”

Luna’s smile broadened. “I can’t say. The gift isn’t ready yet. I can only promise that you will know it when you see it.”

Octavia sighed. “Luna, you’re spoiling me. I don’t think I deserve quite so much.”

“But you do.” Luna leaned forward, her eyes insistent. “You don’t know how much you’ve done, or what you mean to me.”

There could be no response to that. Octavia sat there, gazing into Luna’s focused eyes. She couldn’t help but think that she now had a good idea how pegasi felt when standing on a cloud. Her lips worked soundlessly for several seconds. In the end, she merely studied her hooves and let her cheeks speak for her. In so doing, she saw her dress – the stallion’s dream that she loved so very, very much – and felt the heat in her face intensify.

Luna chuckled. “Too much flattery for one night?”

Octavia could only nod and continue her determined examination of her hooves.

Something else might have been said, but at that moment the waiter arrived with their wine glasses and a bottle set in a bucket of ice. Octavia took a longer drink than was probably appropriate, but she had nerves that needed settling.

“You’d best be cautious,” Luna said as the waiter departed. She winked at Octavia and glanced at a nearby table, where a trio of ponies were doing a poor job of trying not to glance at them. “Continue like this and ponies might actually think this is a romantic rendezvous.”

The airy sensation came crashing like a ton of bricks. Was it even possible to deflate quite in the way and at the rate Octavia had just managed? “Oh… right.”

Luna’s smile faded and she cocked her head. “Is everything alright?”

“O-of course!” Somehow, she managed a smile for the princess. “I’m great! I just realized… something. About a song I’m trying to write.” She resisted clutching at her chest. The hurt would go away on its own, surely.

“I see.” Luna nodded and relaxed. “You’ve mentioned your troubles with that before. I wish I could help you. Did you have any luck with this one, then?”

Octavia took a few long, steadying breaths. Why had she let herself get so worked up in the first place? She knew the timing was too soon, that Luna couldn’t possibly see her in the same way. Ignore the pain, accept it as a necessary evil. Octavia’s chance would come.

Fortunately, her move to distract had led to a good – and relevant – new subject. “I am, actually. I have been working on this song for only a short time, but I think it has a lot of potential.”

Luna’s eyes lit up. “Truly? That’s wonderful, my friend! Could it be that you’ve finally broken whatever chains have been holding you back?”

The pleasure in Luna’s eyes helped to offset the ache in Octavia’s chest, so she latched onto the subject for safety. She even managed a proper smile, for this was a happy subject. “I think so. I’ve found two great sources of inspiration and intend to use them to the fullest.”

“Excellent, I knew you could do it.” Luna leaned forward once more. “So what problem did you realize?”

Octavia didn’t miss a beat, for her answer was truth. “There’s something missing. It needs… I don’t know.” She took a sip of her wine. “I’m only a couple pages into the music, but already I can tell that it needs something more. It feels incomplete.”

“But of course,” Luna said with a wry smile. “It is only two pages.” She giggled at Octavia’s deadpan frown. “That was too easy. I know what you meant, Octavia.”

“I know.” Octavia leaned on the table, a hoof to her cheek. “It’s just… I’m close, Luna. I can feel it. This may be my chance for success, and it is so very important that I get it right. This song is more than just a song, it has a purpose.”

Luna’s eyebrows rose. “Oh? What purpose would that be?”

“I can’t tell you.” Another sip of wine. “This is something that must be completed before anypony else can hear it, especially you.”

“Me? Why me?”

Indeed, why her? Octavia realized she pushed herself into a corner. Her heart was already sore, she didn’t need to deliver anymore punishment to it. “I… um… Well, your opinion matters to me. It’s more important than anypony’s. I can’t let you hear it before it’s finished.”

Luna leaned back, her lips slightly parted in a surprised expression. Octavia couldn’t meet her eyes.

Then Luna regained that warm smile, the one that could melt hearts. “I see. So be it, my friend. I appreciate that you think so highly of me.”

“How could I not?” Octavia offered a smile of her own, the sting in her chest easing just a little.

They shared a moment of pleasant silence. Octavia would have been content to just sit there in silence and enjoy Luna’s presence, but that little hope was dashed when a certain mustachioed griffon arrived to excitedly and loudly deliver their meals. The mood effectively ended, but for once Octavia didn’t mind; she reminded herself that this wasn’t supposed to be a romantic rendezvous.

The meal proved every bit as delicious as Gustave had suggested. Octavia and Luna ate quietly, making small conversation about the restaurant and the past week. A photographer appeared about halfway through the meal and begged them to let him take a picture, which both thrilled and unnerved Octavia. The mare claimed to be from the Daily Royal, a paper every pony in Canterlot was well aware of. Luna had welcomed the opportunity – one more chance to show her brighter side to the masses. Gustave somehow got wind of things and soon appeared himself to have his own picture taken with them.

The photographer asked a few questions, but they were mostly aimed at Luna. That gladdened Octavia; the attention had her shuffling in place and wanting to hide behind the table. She reminded herself over and over again that she’d known all along it would probably happen. Had she not warned Parish and Beauty about it? So she grinned and let the mare do her job, though she was intensely relieved when the pony finally left.

The excitement died down and the two were finally able to get back to their meals. Luna cast a concerned look at Octavia. “If you do not enjoy the spotlight,” she asked, “however do you manage to perform onstage?”

Octavia shrugged. “It’s not the same. Onstage I can focus on the music, rather than the hundreds of ponies watching me.”

“Hmm…” Luna took a few bites of her meal, but she never stopped watching Octavia. The attention made her just a little nervous. “Octavia, I was wondering about something. I understand it may be personal, so you may feel free not to answer.”

“I’m sure I’ll be able to answer whatever question you might have.”

“Okay then.” Luna set her fork down and attained a serious expression. “I would like to know more about your family.”

“My family?” The fork paused halfway to Octavia’s mouth as she thought on the topic. “I suppose I haven’t said much about them, have I?”

“I noticed,” Luna admitted with a weak smile. “I thought perhaps it was a taboo subject, hence my hesitation.”

“It’s not taboo. I guess they just never came up.”

Luna smiled and gestured invitingly. “In that case, would you indulge me?”

Octavia certainly didn’t mind; this topic seemed safer than most and would prove a nice distraction from her sore heart. She set her fork down – she was full anyway – and wondered what she should talk about first. “Well, my father was born in Trottingham. He moved to Nildia to research the county’s history and lecture at universities, and there he met my mother. After he wrote his book and finished his contracts, he moved back home and brought Mother with him.”

“I see.” Luna raised an eyebrow and scrutinized Octavia. “Forgive me if I’m off, but I don’t see much nilgiri in you.”

That made Octavia laugh, though she had the sense of presence to keep it quiet. “My mother is a pony! Descended from the famous Karma Flash.” She puffed out her chest with pride… until she noted Luna’s blank expression. She sighed. “You don’t know who that is, do you?”

The princess blushed and took a sip of wine, her eyes darting to the waterfall. “I’m not well versed in Nildian history.”

Octavia slumped a little, but shook off her disappointment. “That’s okay. She’s my great-great grandmare, and was an investigative reporter from New Horseleans. She blew the lid off of the corruption and abuse of the Grypha puppet government in Nildia and took part in the revolution that led to Nildia becoming a free country.”

Luna smiled. “That’s quite the story. I might have to do some research on her. And what about this book your father wrote?”

“I’m sure they’ll have it in the Royal Library,” Octavia told her. “It’s a history book all about Nildia and its culture. Fascinating material, I’ve read it three times.”

That made Luna’s eyes widen. “You must be quite knowledgeable, then.”

“I am.” Octavia swelled once more. “I’m proud of my lineage. I’ve been to Nildia four times, two of those on temple surveys with my father, and I’m fluent in the language.” Yet her pleasure deflated. “I haven’t done anything involving Nildia in a long time.”

Luna’s smile faded and she cocked her head. “What changed?”

“I lost track of time,” Octavia replied. “After college, I devoted everything to my music and trying to become an elite pony. I don’t see my parents very often nowadays either, so I don’t get many reminders.”

“That’s a shame.” Luna pressed a hoof to her chin as she examined her. “Perhaps you should visit them soon.”

“Perhaps.” Octavia sipped her wine. “Maybe I should find Father’s book and go through it again.”

“Hmm.” Luna leaned forward, her ears perking with anticipation. “What about siblings? You’ve mentioned a sister. Are there any others?”

Octavia chuckled. “Three brothers. Chalk Board’s the second oldest, and we like to jokingly refer to him as a ‘beach bum.’ He’s a competitive surfer and lives in Los Angelicorn.”

“Sounds like fun,” Luna said with a knowing smile.

“It’s a total waste of a college education,” Octavia corrected, though she grinned. “As long as he’s happy, and he really is. I have a younger brother named Rochette, who works in the Equestrian Embassy of Nildia. I can never remember the title; he likes to say he’s a glorified translator.”

“I’ll have to look him up if I’m ever in Nildia.” Luna caught Octavia’s curious expression and shrugged. “You never know, I might be called upon to go there someday.”

Octavia nodded with a warm smile. “Maybe we could go together. I would like to see Nildia again, and Rochette’s a gentlepony. Anyway, my youngest brother was an ‘oops,’ if you will, and came much later than the rest of us. He’s not even earned his cutie mark yet. His name is Harp C. Cord.”

“I see. That’s quite the extensive family you have.”

Their talk was interrupted by the server, and Octavia took the opportunity to ask for her meal to be packaged for later. The server gave her a funny look, but when Luna made the same request he wasted no time complying. It dawned upon Octavia as he left that this might be a restaurant where clients weren’t expected to bring any food home. Had they just committed a sort of faux pas?

She noticed Luna’s eyes upon her. She bore a calm, collected gaze, but Octavia couldn’t escape the sensation of being scrutinized.

“What about your sister?”

Octavia cringed at the query. “Benjamina, the eldest of us all.” She turned her eyes to the waterfall, lips set in a tight frown. “I’d prefer not to talk about her. She moved to Nildia and is a banker, if that sates your curiosity.”

“It does not,” Luna said in a low tone. “Even so, I will honor your wishes and not press you on the matter... on one condition.”

With a deep sigh, Octavia turned to peer into Luna’s eyes. Luna returned the gaze, her expression full of determination. “And that would be?”

Luna’s response was as firm as her expression. “Promise me that, when the time comes, you will discuss the situation with me. I wish only to help, and you cannot keep your feelings bottled up forever.”

Octavia looked away once more. She watched the lights shimmering in the clear waters, her mind going back to that painful day in Nildia. She could still see her sister’s leering face, and now the ache that had been sitting idle in her chest was joined by a dark fire in her thoughts. She heard the cymbals in the back of her mind; it had been a long time since they’d made themselves known.

“Octavia?”

She sighed. “I can’t guarantee that such a time will ever come, but if it does, then I promise to be open about my sister.” She turned to give Luna a hard look. “Can we please change the subject?”

Luna considered her solemnly for some time, as if she were trying to see a crack in Octavia’s expression. Octavia offered no weakness, and the princess at last sagged. “So be it, Octavia, but please, remember that you can trust me. Your silence hurts.”

After all her determination, hearing those words in that tone broke Octavia’s defense. “I’m sorry,” she whispered, reaching her hoof across the table. “I do trust you, Luna. More than you know. It’s just a hard subject to broach, that’s all.”

“I know.” Luna eyed her, then smiled and reached across the table.

Their hooves brushed against one another, and Octavia could have sworn a jolt of energy had run up her leg. The princess’s hoof was so soft… Octavia pulled her leg back with a blush and rubbed it beneath the table.

Luna sat up and regained her pleasant smile. “Now, why don’t we move to more appropriate topics? I would love to know more about your great-great-grandmare.”

“Oh, of course.” Had she not sensed it? Octavia forced a smile and maintained her stature, but inside her heart was wilting again. “I can tell you whatever you want to know.”

She resigned herself to a less than romantic night. As the night wore on, she came to enjoy herself. She was spending an evening with Luna in a public setting, which she took as a sign of how comfortable they really were together. That was a good thing, she should relish it.

Still… she couldn’t help wishing she could skip to the good part.