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The Gentle Nights: Audience of One

by PaulAsaran

Chapter 9: Duḥsvapn Rāt: Śurū Karnā

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The Gentle Nights
Audience of One

Chapter IX
Duḥsvapn Rāt: Śurū Karnā
Nightmare Night: Begin

Luna studied her chariot with a bemused frown. Compared to Celestia’s, hers had always been… what was a good description? Sleek. Yes, that would do. Of course, it wasn’t really her chariot; the one she always accredited with that distinction was long gone. There had been a veritable pang in her heart when she’d heard it was destroyed by the changelings a couple centuries after her exile. Out of spite, apparently.

Still, this one was a very accurate recreation. A few modern touches – to provide a smoother ride, Celestia claimed – but visually identical. At least in form; a few additional, eyebrow-raising touches had been applied in the past couple nights. Luna found she liked the ‘gothic’ art forms that had come about some five hundred years ago, and so approved of their addition to her personal mode of transportation.

The eye of Nightmare Moon on the front, however, was not a welcome inclusion.

“I think it’s going to work wonderfully for your Nightmare Night appearance.” Celestia flashed a pearly grin from Luna’s side. “Far be it that my little sister takes her new chariot on her first trip outside the palace walls and not be in style.”

“I think the artist may have… overreached.”

Luna glanced at the two royal guards who were to be her drivers tonight. At Celestia’s insistence – and their apparent amusement – she’d used her magic to make them appear as thestrals. Although she was rather proud of the skillful illusion, she did feel that the whole thing was a touch insulting to a noble race. Hearing of their disappearance and presumed extinction during her exile was not just a little distressing.

But, for the sake of the holiday…

Celestia’s smile shrank a little. “I know it feels… awkward. You get used to it after a while.”

A frown formed on Luna’s lips. “As it did for you?”

Celestia sighed and averted her gaze. “It did take some time, and a lot of pressure from the populace. They were going to celebrate this night whether I endorsed it or not, Luna.”

“I am aware of that.” Luna shook her head and stiffened her shoulders. “I will change their outlook. It may take some time, but I cannot let this continue as is.”

“You should lighten—” Celestia bit her lip and avoided Luna’s piercing gaze. “What I mean is, you don’t have to take it so seriously. Nightmare Night is supposed to be fun.”

Luna raised an eyebrow. “Have you ever had fun at one of these events?”

“I don’t usually go to them,” Celestia acknowledged. “For reasons similar to your own. Tonight I will be attending an event put on by Miss de Lis, though; her annual 'Week of Nightmares' is based more around the traditional aspects of the holiday, and is usually quite a show. Besides,” she added with a roll of her eyes, “there are a few political motivations for me to attend this one.”

“Well,” Luna grumbled, “at least I won’t have to deal with those kinds of issues tonight.” She cast another peering look Celestia's way.

“Indeed, it does get tiring. I miss the Nightmare Nights when Twilight was still at the palace.” Celestia’s eyes grew foggy and she attained a silly smile. “She always had the most adorable costumes. Once she even dressed up as me.”

She’d missed Luna’s insinuation entirely. It was all Luna could manage not to snap at her sister.

“You’ll tell her I said hello, won’t you?”

Luna glanced over and saw the genuine hope in Celestia’s smile. “Of course I will.”

“Good. If you have any problems in Ponyville, talk to her. I guarantee she’ll be helpful.” Celestia chuckled. “Unless she’s being negligent in her friendship studies.”

A churning filled Luna’s stomach as she stared at the chariot. She felt an intense urge to turn around and walk back into the palace.

Celestia’s wing brushed against her back, and Luna found herself being herded gently forward. She blushed and tried not to look at her sister or the waiting ‘thestrals.’

“You’ll be fine, sister. I promise, you won’t regret doing this.”

“I wish I shared your confidence.”

“Remember, try to be a little theatrical in your appearance.”

Luna stepped on, her heart flipping as the chariot rocked to her weight. She chewed her lip and cast a fretful glance back to her sister. “I… I am not sure I am ready for this.”

Celestia’s face showed no doubt, only beaming pride. “You’re ready, Luna.”

“But—”

A hoof touched Luna’s lips.

“You’re ready.”

They stared into one another’s eyes for a few short seconds. At last Luna heaved a deep breath and nodded. “Very well: I am ready.”

“Good.” Celestia gave her a tight hug before stepping back from the chariot. “Have fun, Luna. I look forward to hearing about your night.”

“I’ll… be sure to tell you all about it.” With one last glance at the palace, Luna turned and nodded to the drivers, who promptly lifted off.

Within seconds, the chariot was above the clouds and Luna was hit square in the face by a biting autumn wind. Shivering and realizing she should have prepared for such a thing, she closed her eyes and focused her magic. She sensed the presence of a nearby colony of bats and called out to them. It wasn’t long before the creatures rose up to meet her, flying in a chaotic swarm.

Despite everything, Luna could only grin as their soft wings batted her playfully. “Thank you for heeding my summons, my friends. If I might use your warmth for but a few minutes?”

They squeaked their acquiescence and permitted her magic to take hold. Soon the bats were reformed into a thick, dark cloak that wrapped about her in a soft, warm embrace. A hood came up to cover her face against the harshest of the winds. The bats marveled at their temporary new form, their squeaking calls the faintest of whispers in her ears.

Yet Luna’s nocturnal allies were only a small distraction in the face of the significant challenge ahead. Her mind was already churning over the possibilities, most of them unpleasant. It dawned on her that she probably should have taken time to practice the Royal Canterlot Voice, which she hadn’t used once since her return from the moon. Nor had she practiced her Old Equestrian – in this age, very Old Equestrian. She wished Celestia had reminded her…

No matter, she would make do. It was a rare thing for royalty to visit such a small place like Ponyville; with any luck, the citizens there wouldn’t notice if she made a faux pas.

That still left the manner of her entrance. Should she be discreet? No… Celestia suggested she be theatrical. Luna had to make a good first impression, after all.

Second impression. She couldn't resist a cringe at the thought of her first impression. Oh please, let them not recall that night too vividly. Perhaps this really was a bad idea…

She shook her head forcefully. No, she was already on her way. Too late for reservations!

Leaning back with a sigh, she closed her eyes and found herself envisioning Octavia. Why did the sight of her give Luna pause? She could still remember her words, how unusually emotional she’d become when speaking of this night. Somehow, this all felt much more important because of her.

Luna hardened her heart and opened her eyes. They centered upon the full moon.

A smile rose on her lips.

She lit her horn and looked to her two drivers. “We will approach from the moon.”

The two ‘thestrals’ glanced back at her, their slitted pupils glowing in the darkness. They offered fanged grins and nodded.

Well, they certainly appeared to be into their roles. They probably had no idea how disrespectful they were being, but Luna forgave them. After all, what did they know of long-dead races, even ones that she had once been so close to?

She shook her head a second time, rubbing her temple. She tried to focus on the task at hoof. Theatrical…

The trip went largely in silence. It took nearly an hour for them to begin approaching the town. Though the world was partially obscured by clouds, the bright lights of the festival were still easy to spot from a distance. For a scant few seconds, Luna felt that familiar bile in the back of her throat at the thought of what the ponies were celebrating. She pushed it down and sat up straight, determined to do this right.

The drivers shifted their course, taking them on a path that would put them directly between the moon and the town. Luna, having spent the trip thinking on what Celestia had told her of the holiday, began setting her plan in motion: horn glowing, she cast a powerful wind that set the clouds to roiling. Soon they were pushed into position to block the chariot from view, and Luna turned her attention to the moon. To the laypony what she was doing might seem complicated, but to her the spell was easy to arrange.

She closed her eyes and envisioned her plan for the hundredth time. It would be simple: come in on a mighty wind and a flash of light. She’d bound from her chariot and land amongst the festivities – partially to let the drivers in their disguises set down far enough away that their appearances wouldn’t startle the citizens – and introduce herself and her intentions. It would be flashy enough to catch their attention, but not so much as to scare any of them.

Yes… yes, this might work.

“We are in position, Your Highness.”

Luna took a moment to suck in a few deep breaths and clear her head. She had to get this right, she had to show that she could do this. For herself, for Celestia… and yes, for Octavia.

At last she opened her eyes and nodded. “Proceed.”

The pegasus on the right flashed a fanged grin.

The other promptly batted the back of his head. “Get in character!”

“Right.” The pegasus’ face became a mask of menace as he turned forward once more. Luna had no time to wonder what exactly they were thinking before they rocketed forward, almost making her fall back in her chariot.

Well, she did tell them she wanted to make a spectacle.

Straightening up against the winds, Luna rushed to ignite her horn as the chariot dove into the clouds, kicking up a strong breeze and reaffirming her grasp on the moon. Just as they broke through to the open air, she finished the simple spell; the moon flashed a powerful beam of light directly upon them, undoubtedly giving the watchers below the impression that she was emerging from the orbital body itself.

The sound of shouts reached her ears, and she couldn’t resist a grin. ‘Theatrical,’ Celestia said. For all her calm, Luna definitely knew how to be that. Moments like this reminded her of why she added so many tricks to their old castle.

She shook herself; no time to be distracted! Bringing the dark clouds back together – the show wasn’t over yet – Luna assumed a royal demeanor and waited for the chariot to fly over the town.

Her mind yet again swam with possibilities and her stomach felt full of lead. She knew that hesitation would render the entire show for naught, so she forced her legs to work the instant the chariot had stopped over the town square. Faces hard, her drivers made no attempt to follow as she dropped.

Luna landed on the grass amid gasps and cries. She had to remind herself that it was all part of the act, that their fear was only make believe. Still, her insides twisted and it was all she could manage to maintain her royal poise as she pulled the hood back from her head, revealing to them all that she was not, in fact, dangerous.

Luna cast her gaze upon the shocked citizens, offering what she hoped was a charming smile. To her delight and relief, they all instantly bowed. Good, they recognized her. That made things easier.

With but a thought, she kindly dismissed the bats that formed her cloak. They flew off, chattering their goodbyes as she walked to the center of the crowd. Her gaze fell upon one pony who appeared to be dressed as a witch. She offered a smile and was rewarded with a deeper bow.

She had no idea the Ponyvillians were so… loyal.

Now was the time. Everything was going well. The Royal Canterlot voice had been all but beaten into her head, so all she needed now was to remember her Old Equestrian. May she not screw it up.

Citizens of Ponyville.” Her voice rang out over the ponies, loud and clear and powerful.

Oh yes, she still had it.

We have graced your tiny village with our presence so that you might behold the real Princess of the Night! A creature of nightmares no longer, but instead a pony who desires your love and admiration. Together we shall change this dreadful celebration into a bright and glorious feeeeast!”

She almost forgot to stretch out the emphasis on ‘feast.’ That would have been humiliating.

Oh, lightning. Forgetting that definitely would have been embarrassing! She brought the bolt down, making sure to attain the proper pose for such a declaration. Though she maintained her royal veneer, deep down she congratulated herself on remembering it all.

Perfect. Everything was going—

“Did you hear that, everypony? Nightmare Moon says that she’s gonna feast on us all!”

Luna’s eyes flashed open as the screams started. She looked to see a giant... chicken… fleeing amidst terrified children. Her mind froze, and even her stomach decided to stop roiling as she watched them retreat.

What?” She completely forgot to use the Royal Canterlot voice. “No, children, no! You no longer have reason to fear us!” The churning returned as a flame before she knew it. “Screams of delight is what your princess desires, not screams of terror!”

Luna barely noticed that she’d stomped with the last word, or that in so doing she’d actually damaged the ground. She failed entirely to note the wince of the pony at her hooves.

Okay, so the foals fled. Luna sucked down the sudden doubt that had pushed into her brain. Foals were easier to frighten, and she may have taken her initial arrival too far for them. Understandable. One misstep wouldn’t destroy this opportunity, surely.

She turned a little too quickly, her eyes locking on a rather colorful clown. Luna was glad she’d read up on the local government, for recognizing the mayor – even in that outfit – was a simple matter.

Luna approached the bowed mayor. Endearing herself to the local leader would be a good start, she was certain. She worked to keep the Royal Canterlot voice, though toned down a touch as she was now directly addressing a government official. Remembering the proper tonality for the different governing ranks was always a challenge.

“Madam Mayor, thy Princess of the Night hath arrived!”

She offered her hoof to the mayor, ready to help her from her bow.

Yet the mayor only cringed and buried her face in the dirt. Luna stared at her, taking note of her trembling. What was—

It dawned upon her: they weren’t bowing out of loyalty, and the fear in these ponies wasn’t being feigned.

Panic began to well up inside Luna. She looked about and saw them all in that same bow, faces averted and eyes downcast. They were shaking like a bunch of leaves. Luna fidgeted as she sought a solution. Had her arrival been too much? Was there something wrong with her Royal Voice? Oh Goddess, was her Old Equestrian faulty? It’s not like being stranded on the moon for a millenium gave her motivation to practice!

Her eyes danced about, landing upon a familiar pony. Luna focused on her, her mind scrambling for recognition. She looked… just like Celestia’s secretary. What was she doing in Pony—opportunity! Luna promptly thrust her hoof towards Raven. She’d provide an example for the others, wouldn’t she?

Raven only gasped and covered her face, trembling like the rest.

Luna stared at the pony. The fire simmering within began to build as she realized she would receive no aid. From Celestia’s secretary!

“What is the matter with you?”

Raven only continued to tremble. Luna’s lips rose up in a sneer as the fire grew. She proffered her hoof to another pony, then a few more. They all gave her the same response. Their frightened eyes were like individual daggers ripping into her chest.

Octavia had been wrong.

Luna stepped back, caught in a terrible mix of anger and anguish. Now she knew: these ponies would never accept her.

“Very well then, be that way!” She didn’t even care that her voice had cracked. “We won’t even bother with the traditional Royal Farewell!” Not that they probably cared, the accursed simpletons.

It took all the effort she could muster not to flee from their terrified gazes. She held her head high and kept her royal veneer as best she could, even as she raged on the inside. All she wanted to do was get away from their eyes.

As she left the town square, she spotted her chariot resting by a nearby building. The two pegasi, still latched to it, looked to her as she approached. She paused at the sight of them, and particularly their eyes. They were… pitying.

A scowl came upon her lips as she neared them. “Return to the castle. Immediately.”

“Yes ma’am.”

Yet they didn’t move when Luna walked past the chariot. “Uh… Princess?”

She turned in a flash, her eyes shining white. “Now!”

They jumped into action and were soon lost among the clouds.

She stood there for a brief time, the image of their eyes burned into her brain. Eventually she turned away, seething quietly as she wandered. She made no attempt to know where she was going. She just wanted to walk.

She thought of Celestia, of how she had been so encouraging. The thought made her snort steam. Encouraging. Celestia’s own secretary was here, and she had been terrified! What did that mean? Why would Raven be so scared? Could it be that Celestia—

“No.” She shook her head with a growl. “Celestia wouldn’t do that.”

She blinked and let out a long sigh; she was talking to herself again. Knowing they would only lead her down dark paths, Luna tried to empty her head of thoughts. She glanced around, noting all the buildings that still surrounded her. Seeing them reminded her of what just happened, and her blood began to boil.

Luna’s gaze fell upon a clearing behind some buildings. She moved almost instinctually towards it. Walks in the Royal Garden had always helped to clear her head. Perhaps if she went out into the clearing, took a long walk…

Her eyes went to it instantly; a statue in the distance. The sight of it almost stopped her heart, for it was a visage she knew well.

Hello again, Nightmare.

“Y-you…”

The statue of Nightmare Moon was reared back and pointing at something below, perhaps casting judgment on some poor, unseen pony. It wore the royal regalia… Luna’s regalia.

“W-what is this doing here?”

And we thought nopony worshipped us.

“Be silent!” Luna shook her head fiercely as she approached the statue. “Why are you speaking—”

Her eyes went wide upon the realization that, this time, she wasn’t in a dream.

What? Did we think we were limited only to unconscious minds?

Luna stood before the statue, staring up at its menacing face. Her heart pounded, her stomach lurched. “Y-you… You can’t be real.”

Of course. It’s just a statue. Not a perfect example of our glory, but at least the simpletons tried.

“Shut up.”

Why? Do we not think them simpletons?

“I was upset.”

We thought it only a few minutes ago.

She snarled and shook her head again. “I am not talking to you!”

Then don’t. We can do all the talking. But tell us, Nightmare, did we really think those foals would accept us?

“You’re not real.” Luna pressed a hoof to her forehead and sucked in a deep, shuddering breath. “It’s all in my head. I just… just need to—”

We can’t ignore reality forever. The voice was soft as silk. They all see us for what we are.

“N-no… I was just too forceful with my entry, th-that’s all.”

Even Celestia’s own secretary is afraid of us. Now why would that be, hmm?

Her legs began to shake.

She fears us. She told her secretary to be wary, didn’t she?

“That’s not… Celestia wouldn’t…”

She would, we know it for truth. They fear us. They all fear us.

She collapsed to her barrel. “N-no.”

We cannot name a single pony who doesn’t.

Luna’s eyes flashed open. Suddenly, she wasn’t seeing Nightmare Moon at all. The terrible swirling of her insides began to fade as she looked up at the statue with a firm frown. “You’re wrong.”

Are we?

“I have Octavia.”

She could almost swear the statue’s face twisted in anger. Her? That worthless wretch of a pony? She only visits us every night because we pay her to do so!

“I will listen to you no longer,” Luna whispered, turning her eyes to her hooves in defiance of the statue’s stare. “Your words are nothing but poison. You aren’t even real, why should I take your words to heart?”

Not real? Cold laughter echoed in her head. Very well, Nightmare. We will be silent… for now. We’ll understand in time.

Silence. Blessed, wonderful silence. Luna remained in the grass, relishing the moment.

Until she remembered where she was, and why she’d wandered off. The pang in her heart came back in full force. She looked down and her eyes fell on a lone piece of candy at her hooves. What was this doing here? She slowly reached out to touch it… and suddenly a new face came to mind, that of a little unicorn filly who had been so happy for her help.

Had Dinky been amongst that crowd of children? The thought only made the vice on her heart tighten.

What had she done wrong?

“Princess Luna?”

Luna raised her head to a royal poise in an instant, fighting to harden her expression. She stood and turned, not daring to hope that she was about to meet a friendly face.

She blinked at the pony standing before her. That outfit… brought back memories.

“Hi!” the pony offered a smile Luna wasn’t prepared to believe. “My name is—”

“Starswirl the Bearded.” Luna couldn’t help taking another careful look, lost for a moment in her recollection of an old, dear friend. “Commendable costume. Thou even got the bells right.”

The pony’s smile broadened and her eyes shined. “Thank you! Finally, somepony who gets my costume!” She looked herself over with a grin… but then seemed to recall who she was talking to.

A second of awkward silence passed between them. Luna found herself at a loss for words, not entirely sure how she should address this particular pony. She was undoubtedly high in status, but…

Well, the Royal Voice was an automatic element of Luna’s dialogue. If it came out, then she’d at least have an idea.

The pony at last regained her smile and approached. “Uh, I just came to welcome you to our celebration. My actual name is—”

“Twilight Sparkle.” Did she really expect Luna not to know? Yet she seemed confused, so…

The Royal Voice came unbidden, along with the appropriate wind and clouds: “It was thou who unleashed the powers of Harmony upon us and took away our dark powers.” Well, that settled how to address her.

Luna realized instantly that she was overdoing the wind, which pushed the smaller pony back several feet. Blushing, she stopped the spell and landed, having not been aware that she’d begun levitating.

Twilight recovered and offered an uncertain smile. “Aaand that was a good thing, right?”

Luna’s residual confusion and anger from before threatened to make itself known again. “But of course. We could not be happier. Was that not clear?” The other Ponyvillians Luna might be able to understand, but how could the esteemed Twilight Sparkle not know how to interpret the Royal Canterlot Voice?

“Well...” Twilight fidgeted a little. “You kinda sound like you’re yelling at me.”

Good Goddess, she actually didn’t know. What was Celestia teaching her? Wasn’t she actually born in Canterlot?

Well then, Luna would just have to fill in the gaps. “But this is the traditional Royal Canterlot Voice! It is tradition to speak using the Royal We, and to use—” she unleashed the Royal Voice in all its majesty, “—this much volume when addressing our subjects.”

The wide-eyed Twilight took a moment to adjust her sideways faux-beard and wide-brimmed hat. “You know,” she said upon recovering, “that might explain why your appearance was met with… mixed results?”

She approached once more, since the blast of wind had knocked her back a bit. With an encouraging smile, she said, “I think if you just changed your approach a bit, you might be met with a warmer reception.”

Luna paused as Twilight’s words filtered through her mind. “Change our approach?”

Twilight’s smile grew sheepish. “Lower the volume?”

“Oh.” Luna’s mind ran in circles as she abruptly realized that maybe the Royal Canterlot Voice wasn’t… modern? Her nervousness came back in full force. “We have been locked away for a thousand years. We are… not sure we can.”

Twilight cocked her head. “Why not?”

Luna sighed and averted her gaze. “I spent hundreds of years mastering the practice. It became rather… automatic. Natural.”

“I see.” Twilight rubbed her chin thoughtfully. “Didn’t Celestia tell you that the practice was phased out some six hundred years ago?”

With a small curse aimed her sister’s direction, Luna muttered a quiet, “No.”

Twilight was abruptly all smiles once more. “That’s alright! Please, Princess, let me help you. We’ll phase it out with some practice and you can try again with the townsponies.”

“Really?” Luna gaped. “You would help me? Just like that?”

“Of course.” Twilight cocked her head once more. “Why wouldn’t I?”

“Because I’m…” Luna glanced back at the statue.

The motion resulted in a chuckle from Twilight. “Princess Luna, like you said: I was the one who defeated Nightmare Moon. Don’t you think I’d know that you’re good now?”

Luna turned to her with wide eyes. Her chest swelled and a smile spread across her face. “Thank you, Twilight Sparkle. That means a lot more to me than you can know.”

Twilight stepped forward with a frown. “Having trouble fitting in? Even after a year?”

“You can’t imagine.” Luna’s head hung and she sighed. “Ponies fear me, Sparkle. I’ve been trying hard to improve my image, but it seems as though it is no use. Aside from my sister, to date I can only count one pony as my friend, and even she I am not wholly sure of.”

“Well,” Twilight said with a grin and a hoof to Luna’s shoulder, “now you have two.”

Luna blinked and stared at the hoof, then at Twilight’s beaming face. “Is it really that easy for you?”

“Why shouldn’t it be?” Twilight thought for a moment, then gestured. “Come on, I think I know just the pony who can help with your volume problem.”

Luna could think of no reason not to follow. She was too busy being amazed at the situation to object anyway.


Octavia knew she’d be remembering this particular event. Fleur de Lis’ annual “Week of Nightmares” was legendary even beyond Canterlot. It might not be the event to end all events for the evening – at least a dozen high-society parties were going on throughout the city – but it was certainly established as something to behold.

And what a sight it was; the walls, normally the traditional pearly marble, now appeared to be dark stonework befitting the oldest of castles. The diamond chandeliers were now wrought-iron monstrosities with bats flapping to and fro. Gargoyles leered at the guests, wraith-like servants floated about the room and a thin fog wafted at everypony’s hooves.

Even the band was altered: the pianist appeared hunched and decrepit, his piano covered in skulls and black-flame candles; the three violinists shared matching illusions as sirens; the drummer was some eldritch monstrosity, using his tentacle-like arms to pound his instrument.

Octavia herself was actually one of the less flamboyant members, having been given the look of a vampire pony. The fake wings were certainly interesting, rising out of her back in a perfect illusion, and though she could not feel them she knew there were fangs in her mouth. She’d taken a look in a mirror and found herself rather fetching with red eyes.

She eyed her cello between songs, noting its new black coloration and the dark sigils that decorated it. It had taken a lot of convincing for her to let them do that to her most prized possession, and then only under the strictest assurances that it would wear off in about a week.

It was time for the organist to play a few songs. Those songs were all solo performances, so the rest of the band took a break. As the powerful notes of the organ floated over the ballroom, Octavia dismissed herself for the refreshments table. She didn’t know the others in the band very well and wasn’t interested in mingling.

She waded through elite ponies dressed as ghouls and goblins and diamond dogs and finally found her way to the food. Her stomach growled while she examined the delicacies, more than a few of which had been made to represent appropriate themes for the night. She noted the éclairs shaped like dismembered legs and couldn’t resist a smile… and a taste.

“You’re performing well tonight.”

Octavia paused, eyes wide at the familiar voice. She turned to find a smiling Raven Dupin at her side.

Swallowing her bite and dabbing her lips, Octavia offered a weak smile. “Thank you.”

“Of course.” Raven’s horn lit up, and a small pastry rose to her lips. “We were pleased to find you here.”

Octavia tilted her head. “We?”

Raven half-turned and gestured towards the crowd. Octavia followed her lead and scanned the room. Her jaw dropped upon spotting Princess Celestia herself talking with Miss de Lis. The princess’ mane was like a flame and her coat appeared to be simmering with heat, yet she was smiling and even laughing with Canterlot’s most prominent illusionist and model.

“You mean you didn’t notice?”

Octavia blushed and turned back to the table. “I was… focused on my work.”

“Well, rest assured it’s going wonderfully.” Raven took a moment to eat, leaving Octavia to fidget and try to think of something to say.

A thought came to mind. “Isn’t she afraid she’ll offend Lu—her sister?”

“You can say her name, y’know.”

Blood rushed to Octavia’s cheeks. “I just didn’t want to be improper.”

“You worry about that kind of thing far too much.” Raven offered a comforting smile before grabbing a slice from a cake that looked like a decapitated head. “Also, you might want to get some of the cake before Celestia discovers it. She hones in on those things like a parasprite, and eats them three times as fast.”

“Uh… I see.” Octavia did as suggested, even as she tried to imagine Celestia’s mouth opening as wide as a parasprite’s. “So what brings the princess to this particular party?”

“Politics, mostly.” Raven adjusted her glasses with a prim frown. “There are certain nobles she needs to appeal to.” Her frown reversed into a smile as a few screams arose from one corner of the room. “Also, Miss de Lis’ illusion skills are second to none, and always lead to a fun event this time of year.”

Octavia glanced back, but couldn’t see what had caused the minor disruption. Laughs were trickling through the crowd though, so she paid it no more attention. “And where is Luna?”

“In Ponyville.”

The last piece of the cake caught in Octavia’s throat. She choked and sputtered for a few seconds before a slap on the back from Raven freed the murderous treat and allowed her to swallow properly.

Octavia turned on Raven, not realizing just how broad her grin was. “You mean she actually went?”

“And Celestia suspects you have something to do with it.” Raven’s smile was warm. “If she could, she’d thank you personally. Just not now.”

“Really?” Octavia cast a sideways glance towards the princess. “Not to sound ungrateful, but… why not?”

Raven sighed and shook her head, though her smile was good-natured. “Luna is a very private pony, as I’m sure you’ve gathered, and she doesn’t like it when Celestia meddles in her affairs. If Celestia spoke to you now, in front of all these ponies, word would get out quickly and Luna would almost certainly know about it.”

Understanding dawned on Octavia. “She’d think her sister was trying to manipulate things for her sake.”

“And that would offend Luna.”

If she weren’t in public, Octavia might have facehooved. “That mare is so difficult.”

Raven grabbed a goblet with her magic and poured herself some champagne. “Are you really any better?”

Octavia bowed her head with a sigh. “No… I suppose I’m not.”

A moment of silence passed between them. Raven was watching Octavia from over her drink, eyes narrowed. For her part, Octavia couldn’t help thinking on Luna and feeling one part annoyance and one part pride. She’d listened. Octavia had thought Luna would resist her suggestion, but… she’d actually listened. The thought was almost giddying.

“Speaking of Luna, there’s a matter I’ve been needing to speak with you about.” Raven set her glass down and resumed her prim manner.

The pleasant thoughts kept Octavia from noticing the change in demeanor. “Such as?”

“Your pay.”

Octavia blinked, her mind lurching back to the moment. “My pay?”

Raven nodded. “You’re still being paid for your visits with Luna. Checks are… risky. We need to set up a direct deposit.”

“I’m being…” Octavia stared at the pony, trying to process this. It dawned upon her that, yes, she did receive a few more checks in the mail. Significant checks.

Which reminded her of a certain peculiarity. “Why are you still paying me? I thought Celestia would only pay me for the one visit, so I was a little surprised.”

“Oh, it’s not Celestia,” Raven replied with a small smile. “It’s Luna.”

Octavia’s eyes bulged. “L… Luna is paying for me to visit with her? But I thought—”

“You thought wrong.” Raven shrugged and lost her smile. “We don’t need to worry about the details now, of course, but we will need to meet in a more official—”

“No.” Octavia shook her head frantically. “I don’t want to be paid.”

Raven raised an eyebrow. “Oh? You were accepting the payments before.”

“I shouldn’t have.” Octavia raised her head high. “I’d like to return those bits.”

“I see.” Raven gained a wry smile, which knocked Octavia out of her solid pose. “You’ll have to take that up with Luna, I’m afraid.”

“I will.” Octavia considered the secretary, then cast a glance towards Celestia. The princess seemed completely ignorant of her stare, but Octavia thought she caught just the slightest glance in her direction.

She turned to Raven. “You knew I was going to be here all along, didn’t you?”

Raven grabbed another slice of cake in a plate and turned away, but she still had that smug smile. “I told you: Celestia’s visit to this particular event is political in nature.” She promptly disappeared in the crowd.

Octavia stood there for some time, pondering on the recent discussion. She kept glancing towards the princess and thinking on Luna. Suddenly she really wanted it to be Wednesday. Maybe she could make an impromptu visit?

No, best to stick to the schedule. Luna was a busy mare, after all.

She realized that the organ had gone silent. A look to the stage showed the band getting back together. Time to go to work; she pushed her way back through the crowds and to the stage.

As she took her cello from its stand and turned to the audience, her wandering eye caught sight of Celestia, who was talking with her secretary. The princess glanced up and offered Octavia a warm smile, but she didn’t dare return the motion with so many eyes on her.

As the music started up, only one thought ran through Octavia’s mind:

She’s good.

Author's Notes:

On the suggestion of the EqD prereader, I'm moving the translations of the titles to the top of the chapters. He seemed to think it would be more helpful, and I guess that does make some sense.

This chapter was a real challenge, particularly because the character of Luna devised for this story doesn't really match the character of Luna in the episode Luna Eclipsed. I tend to think of Luna more along the lines of how she was in the episodes Sleepless in Ponyville and For Whom the Sweetie Belle Tolls. As such, looking for ways to make her dialogue in Luna Eclipsed line up with her established personality from previous chapters was a big hurdle. While I'm not 100% happy with it, I think I pulled it off about as well as can be expected. Opinions would be appreciated.

It should go without saying, but I did a lot of careful research into the episode for this chapter. More research will of course be required for the next one.

The 'Week of Nightmares' concept actually originated from my much older story, The Challenge of Fleur, although the nature of this one is very different from what it is there. Next to Octavia, Fleur is easily one of my favorite background ponies and I couldn't resist the opportunity to give her a tiny cameo.

Next Chapter: Duḥsvapn Rāt: Natijā Estimated time remaining: 5 Hours, 28 Minutes
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