The castle was abuzz with activity as servants rushed about at the direction of professional decorators. The ceiling was dusted, only to be covered in cobwebs. Pet shops had offered to loan various harmless spiders to add to the effect. Curtains remained almost perpetually drawn during the day while the magical lamps were modified to emit an eerie green glow so the directors could see as the guests would. Illusions were placed over the countless paintings lining the walls to give them an extra creepy appearance, save for Blueblood’s which was allowed to remain as it was. And the staff working the night shift, despite not technically being affiliated with either Princess, had become rather emboldened as they shared in the sentiment of Luna’s official staff that this was their night.

Luna had to suppress the bounce in her step as she explored along the hallways to examine the work that had been done so far. Nightmare Night was still a few days away, but Celestia had insisted that they make this one extra special to commemorate her sister’s return. Despite having forgiven her sister, Luna still took a perverse pleasure in seeing golden sun banners taken down and replaced with her more elegant moon ones. Apart from the tedious disputes of Night Court and the expansion of business hours, organizing the Nightmare Night festivities was Luna’s first formal duty since her return.

“Dear Auntie,” Blueblood said through a forced grin as he and Luna stood in the grand hall as ponies hurried about readying the decorations. “Do you still insist on allowing commoners to… ‘trick or treat’ in the castle?”

“Naturally, nephew,” Luna began evenly. “This is a night of celebration, my celebration, and I insist upon seeing my little ponies,” she tittered at the use of her sister’s words, “being free to celebrate wherever they choose.”

“I see.” Blueblood nodded. “However, I worry of what the other noble houses will say. After all, the Nightmare Night Masquerade is not only the highlight of the season, but it is also a chance for you to make a good impression on ponies seeing you for the first time. What will they think if you allow the halls to be filled with the rugrats of the common folk?”

Luna rolled her eyes. “Maps have been distributed advising all where the designated trick-or-treat areas are. These areas have been deliberately placed far enough away from the grand hall so as not to disrupt the evening’s party. Trust me, nephew.” She didn’t like it, but the concerns he was raising were not invalid. “The castle staff knows enough to keep their foals in check. Besides, were you a foal, which would you rather partake of: a night of spooky explorations with the promise of candy, or a bunch of stuffy adults concerned about spills on their expensive and custom made suits they lazily try to pass as costumes?”

After a moment of contemplation, Blueblood heaved a defeated sigh. “Very well. I’ll let our guests know that their worries were unfounded.” And he departed.

“And I thank you for that,” Luna said amicably. Despite her initial skepticism, the Princess had come to appreciate the Prince’s role in royal affairs. While often viewed as the stuck-up liaison between the crown and aristocracy, in truth Blueblood was royally appointed to perform the role of devil’s advocate in pointing out each and every little thing he knew the nobility would find fault with. It was a demanding job. In any case, Luna was glad to have that ordeal done with as she resumed examining the decorations.

“Your Highness?”

Luna turned to see a pink earth unicorn approach. He was Party Banner, one of the professional decorators. “Yes, Mr. Banner. How goes the decorations?”

“The decorations are coming along fine.” Banner held up his clipboard, chewing on his pencil as he checked over his notes. “Costumes, too. And I must say my ponies are having a hay of a time with this haunted house you designed.”

“You don’t say.”

“I do, Your Highness.” Banner beamed as he turned the page. “In fact, I’d dare say this may be the most ambitious haunted house my company’s ever had the privilege of constructing. You, my lady, are a genius.”

“Oh stop.” Luna waved him off as she blushed. “The design might be mine, but the one you should really be thanking is Senior Concubine Thomas.”

“The human?”

“Oh yes. As it happens, humans hold to a holiday with striking similarities to Nightmare Night, which they call ‘Halloween’. “In fact,” she paused as she waved her hand across the dark and dreary halls. “All of this was taken from what he has shared with me regarding his native holiday.”

Banner chuckled at the Princess’ enthusiasm. “As you say, Your Highness. All I know for certain is that, if ponies enjoy what we’ve done even half as much as we’ve had putting it together, then we’re probably going to be a seeing a lot of imitations come next year.”

“Splendid!” Luna cheered before taking a more somber expression as Banner turned away. “I just hope he’s ready,” she mumbled to herself.

**********

“Neat costume,” Thomas commented to Talon, idly watching as she posed before the mirror in Luna’s room. “What is it?”

“Thundera!” Talon declared boldly in her Valkyrie attire, which even came with a horned helmet and mighty spear. “Ancient griffon warrior who was said to hold such command over lightning that it made even the pegasi look like novices.” She threw her head back in a deep belly laugh. “And you?” she pointed. “What’s that supposed to be?”

Thomas took a step back to give a clear view of his skintight pinstripe black suit, pointy shoes, pale face paint, an oversized ragged collar, and gloves painted to resemble bone. “Luna picked it out.”

“Yes…” Moonlight eyed him up and down, not once taking a second glance at how tightly the suit clung to his groin. She had come as a Romaren Legionnaire with a bright red headdress on her helmet to show that she was a Lieutenant of the old legion. The armor might have just been cloth, but she still wore a chainmail undershirt just in case. Even if she did have the night off, it never hurt to be prepared. “But what is it?”

“Jack Skellington,” Thomas answered, accepting that they wouldn’t get the reference. “I was thinking about coming as Freddy Krueger, for irony reasons, but Luna said she didn’t want me frightening the nobility.”

“So this is the less scary option?” Moonlight asked, gesturing to the human.

“Scary?” Thomas did a double take on his costume. “You think this is scary?”

“It’s a little unnerving, I’ll give ya that,” Talon added as she too regarded the costume.

“Isn’t that the point of the holiday, though?” Thomas asked. “We revel in the scary stuff so we can laugh about it later.”

“Either way, I might be tempted to throw you at some pompous duke or countess just to see how they’d react to raining chimp skeletons,” Talon deadpanned. “Just a heads-up. What?” she asked as Moonlight fixed her with a very stern glare. “I only said that I’d be tempted, not that I’d actually do it. Sheesh!” Talon rolled her eyes at the glaring mare as she made for the door. “Some ponies can be so uptight.”

The trio eventually departed and, in their usual fashion, walked together as they explored the decorations out on full display. True to the hype Luna had been building up for nearly a week, the castle virtually popped with rubber masks, eerie lights, and all manner of decorations that made every nook and cranny scream that this was Halloween, or Nightmare Night if you so prefer.

This part of the castle had been sectioned off for families as foals and their chaperones made their way between doors marked for trick-or-treating. Foals screamed in delight and fear as each door opened to reveal a different kind of monster jump out and scare them before offering candy to those brave enough not to run away. It was all so cavity-inducingly cute, except for the parts where Thomas was mistaken for a foal and invited to join the trick-or-treating. That was just awkward.

“Hello there, all,” came the melodious voice of Silver from above as she glided down to the ground in front of them.

“Sup, sweet wings.” Talon greeted as she glanced between both mares’ costumes. “That wouldn’t happen to be a Romaren dress, would it?”

“Oh, so you noticed.” Silver did a slow twirl, the heavy folds of the toga only briefly leaving the ground. “This is actually called a toga and… What?” she asked as Thomas snickered.

“Oh, just a little thing I remember from history class.”

“I’m always up for a little history.” Silver said.

“Well…” Thomas did a quick mental check to make sure the thing he planned to say wouldn’t be taken as an insult. “We also had a civilization that wore togas. Only, when the women wore them, it was to show that they were actually prostitutes.” He braced himself for the worst.

Silver beamed with an open mouth smile. “Thank you, Sir Thomas! I think you might be the first one all night who actually understood the historical relevance.” She tittered, doing another spin. “That’s precisely why I chose this costume. Do you think the Princess will be impressed?” she added meekly.

“I think she’ll appreciate the sentiment,” Thomas told her with an approving nod, glad he’d interpreted the context correctly.

“Not that impressive,” Moonlight grumbled under her breath, but not quietly enough to escape the notice of the nearby flyers.

“So,” Silver beamed, her ear flicking as she otherwise pretended she’d heard nothing. “They’re saying the haunted house won’t be open for another hour. You two,” she motioned meaningfully to Thomas and Talon, “wouldn’t happen to have a clue what we’re in for, would you?”

Talon casually shoved Thomas forward. “This one does, but he’s been keeping pretty tight-lipped about the whole thing. I swear, ‘Luna’s orders’ is gonna become the little guy’s new catchphrase or something.”

“Only when it’s at your expense, feather brain.” Thomas grinned back. “I, on the other hand,” he said, affecting a haughty tone, “am merely following the orders of my Princess.”

“As you should.” Moonlight and Silver had spoken in unison, and they stared at each other in horror as they realized what they’d done.

“Well, well, well,” Talon said teasingly as she leaned forward and pressed her beak against Thomas’ ear. “Similar tastes in costumes and sentiments of loyalty. I can’t help but wonder what else these two might have in common. How about you?”

“Hmph!” The mares huffed in unison as they turned their heads away.

Glancing quizzically between the mares and seeing no sign that either was willing to speak, Thomas turned to face the griffon, only barely pulling back in time to avoid pressing his lips to her beak. “Something I need to know?”

“Oh.” Talon shrugged casually as she messed his hair. “Just a couple of silly fillies acting silly.”

“I’m not a…” The two mares stopped as they glared angrily at one another, still in synch. “Stop that. No, you stop. I mean it!” The mares’ voices rose in anger.

“Ahem!” All eyes fell upon a familiar Prince, blond mane coiffed fashionably over a shining black tuxedo, a black cape lined with shimmering red material, and a red bandanna over his eyes as he looked upon the group with barely hidden contempt. He held a glass of red wine in his left hand while the right was folded under his chest.

“My Prince!” Silver bowed her head low and curtseyed before the stallion. She didn’t know why this had earned exacerbated groans from her companions, or why Moonlight had stepped in front of Thomas, but decided to play it safe until she had all the facts. “I deeply apologize for my crass behavior. Such is unbecoming of a daughter of House Bell.”

“Ah, finally some manners,” Blueblood cheered as he motioned for Silver to rise. “It’s so refreshing to see such civility under my beloved Auntie’s employ.”

“I trust you’re not planning to dishonor your own house tonight,” Talon warned. “Cuz I got no problems challenging ya to another… sparring match.” She grinned, but the ruffling of her feathers was a clear indicator of aggression.

“Not at all,” Blueblood said confidently, ignoring the threat. “And you’re welcome, by the way.”

Thomas blinked in confusion as he glanced between the stallion and the now blushing wren. What’d I just miss?

“I was just exploring this wing of the castle to make sure all was in order when I noticed the oddest disturbance, and low and behold I find you three ruffians contaminating this fine treasure,” he smiled at Silver, “with your brutishness.”

“Your Highness,” Silver began apologetically. “That’s not really-”

“Lay off it, Blue Balls.” Talon rolled her eyes in annoyance as she pulled Silver by her side, earning a blush from the bat mare. “She’s one of us and we’re kinda busy right now, so why don’t you say your piece and get back to double dealing, or whatever.”

One of us? Silver repeated the phrase over and over in her mind until it became a mantra, reveling in the implications.

One of us? Moonlight also repeated in her mind, but with much more dread.

“Perish the thought.” Blueblood pressed his free hand to his chest in a show of hurt. “I merely thought I’d do my Auntie’s servants the courtesy of reminding them of just how important this night is for Equestria’s newest Princess.” His grin grew ever so slightly when he found he had his audience’s undivided attention. “I am familiar enough with House Bell that such an explanation is likely unnecessary for her, but the rest of you…” His eyes roamed over the others. “Not only is this engagement the first time many of Equestria’s elite will meet Princess Luna, but it has been organized almost entirely by her.

“Now, I know full well what the lot of you think of me, but I honestly don’t care.” Blueblood flicked his mane back. “If anything, I find it mildly flattering. What I do care about is this royal engagement going off as swimmingly as possible.”

“Why?” Thomas asked curtly, not noticing Silver’s silent pleas for him not to act so rudely. “What’s in it for you?”

“Besides simple loyalty to the crown?” Blueblood rolled his eyes when the human did not look satisfied. “If you must know, functions such as this are how Equestria is maintained. Never mind the petty complaints in the courts or Parliament. It is here that the most powerful ponies in Equestria gather to forge alliances that hold the potential to make or break an entire city, perhaps even a nation. One wrong word to the wrong pony can have disastrous consequences, the likes of which can be felt for decades to come,” he proclaimed theatrically. “I only wish to ensure that you know what you’re getting into before you cause an international incident.”

Thomas stood firm before the large stallion’s glare. While still certain Blue Balls was playing at something, he couldn’t help but think the Prince probably had some investments in these supposed alliances, meaning that the big dick with the big dick wasn’t being entirely disingenuous. “Alright.” Thomas nodded. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

“As you should.” Blueblood frowned contemplatively as he turned, his cape billowing in the air, and he departed with the suave and elegance typically reserved for royalty.

“So how much of that was him talking out his ass?” Thomas asked his companions.

“Exaggerated,” Silver frowned. “But not entirely wrong.”

Talon folded her arms, strangely somber. “A lot of deals do go down at these things, but they don’t have anything to do with you, chimp.”

“That’s what my father said,” Moonlight added. “The nobility plays their little games, but they at least have the good sense not to rope in the uninitiated, especially those who have the Princess’ favor.”

“Just smile, act polite, and don’t agree to sneak off alone with anypony,” Silver cautioned.

“You will get bucked, one way or another.” Talon added. “Also, if things get bad, just clamp yourself into a ball. It’ll reduce wind resistance.”

“No,” Moonlight said flatly.

“What are you talking about?” Silver asked.

“Tali wants to throw me like a ball at ponies she doesn’t like,” Thomas answered flatly.

“Oh,” Silver said with surprising acceptance. “But isn’t that dangerous if you don’t have wings?”

Thomas slowly turned his head to face the bat mare. “I’m sensing this is more than just a prank.”

Silver chuckled at the human’s naiveté and her chance to show off her expertise. “Tis an old Prench tradition,” the bat mare bragged. “We are very impassioned ponies, and games such as zese are often played during our festivities,” she explained, slipping a bit into her Prench accent.

“You throw each other?” Thomas asked.

“Only if ze pony has vings. Ve are not savages, you know.”

As Silver went into depth on the origins of a tradition that Moonlight was only vaguely familiar with, the unicorn suddenly became aware of the awful truth: Silver was with them, and there was no polite way to send the bat pony away. Tonight especially so since the evening’s events promised a prime opportunity to cozy up to the human and infringe on her Thomas time. Ears slumping, Moonlight Shield was not optimistic of the evening’s affairs.

The return of Blueblood, and he wasn’t a complete asshole this time. In fact, I’ve decided to do a complete retcon of his character where he mostly just plays an asshole as part of his job. I can only imagine how relieved you guys are about this. Yeah, after reading more fics, even I’m annoyed by a lot of the depictions of Blueblood. Here, he’s a dick, but not as ignorant as most might think.
That said, Halloween! Yay. And Silver’s coming along for the ride. Also yay, except for Moonlight. Poor Smarty-corn. I hope things work out for her.