It was the middle of the day. The sun was directly overhead, and the land was filled with amusement. As far as I could see, there was fun to be had, conversations to be started, and new adventures to be discovered. Ponies ran around, attempting to rebuild their homes. A few of my soldiers sat on rocks, telling children tales from our homeland: with a few appropriate alterations of course.

I smile, reach up and close the cover over the window. My bed was made of straw and had been extended to fit a human. Even still, it was more comfortable than my bed full of random cloth and I was asleep in minutes.

I wake up to find a gentle white glow pouring in under my window cover. I pull the blanket off me and swing my legs onto the stone floor. It’s cold, smooth and littered with scratch marks from my boots. It felt odd having a new room, but at the same time, I’d rather sleep outside than return to Taraskan castle.

I raise the cover and the landscape is now covered in darkness. Glowing butterflies make their rounds between trees. There were numerous patches of flowers that seemed to only spring to life once the sun had disappeared. The sky had a vast array of stars and what appeared to be curtains of rainbows that danced across the sky. This land was truly miraculous.

The moon was full and the amount of light coming from it made a torch completely unnecessary. I throw open my cabinet and toss on just my overcoat. I make my way through the corridors, enjoying just wearing pants and a jacket. As if the darkness concealed me, there was a strange amount of comfort in knowing I could be almost invisible at a moment’s notice. I keep my hands in my pockets, casually strolling to the staircase. I try not to take the steps two at a time, as I ascend to the roof.

It’s completely devoid of guards either by habit, or because Luna ordered it. I sit down on the smooth stone, and enjoy a slight warm breeze. I prop one knee up and stretch out the other leg, with my hands behind me for support. It’s not long before I hear the elegant flapping of wings. Luna lands with such grace that you wouldn’t even know she was there.

“Well, someone’s up late.” she says with a flirtatious wink and a smile.

I give a light snicker and shrug.

“Couldn’t sleep. Thought I'd come up here and...enjoy the view.”

She slowly circles me a mere five feet away.

“Couldn’t sleep, or didn’t want to?” she says with a sensual undertone, intentionally not glancing at me.

I look at her using just my eyes

“Maybe I just like the night better…”

She turns her head towards me, narrows her eyes and smiles.

As I start to get up, she trots over and quickly puts one hoof on my chest and calmly pushes me back to the ground.

“I’m afraid you’re being suspicious. Keeping me from my duties after all. Guess I’ll just have to interrogate you.”

I raise my left eyebrow slightly and smirk.

“Alright, but fair warning, I can be a difficult customer.” I fold my arms behind my head and lie against the floor.

She clears her throat and puts on a fake regal tone.

“Where were you today?”

“Sleeping.”

“And why were you sleeping so late in the day?”

“Had plans in the night.”

She makes an over-acted gasp.

“Then you were planning sabotage!” I chuckle quietly and smile up at the sky.

“Nah, just wanted to see someone.”

She brushes a wing across my face.

“An accomplice perhaps? Tell me who they are, and I may yet spare you!” she says with a jokingly accusatory tone and narrowed eyes. I stay relaxed and my left foot involuntarily shakes itself gently.

“No, just this...girl. You wouldn’t be interested.”

She narrows her eyes again and walks as stuck up as possible.

“Well I’ll have to keep tabs on her then. I’ll need a description.”

I gaze up at the moon.

“Well...she has the most precious teal eyes. Eyes that make you forget about anything. And that...look she has. It’s the one that melts even the strongest of ice. Just having her around is a luxury I’ll never be able to top.”

Her mouth quivers as she tries not to smile too hard. She fails, as her mouth widens as far as it can, showing her white teeth. She closes her eyes and bows her head.

“Go on.”

“Her voice is a warm blanket on a cold night. It’s soothing, and wonderful. It’s relaxing and just makes you want to be happy. It’s also just so amazingly sensual. Plus, she’s a total flirt.”

She steals a glance at me and bursts out in another fit of giggling.

I try to sit up again, but she puts her hoof on my chest and again pushes me to the ground. I reach up and hold on to her leg just below her knee, and gradually slide my hand down to her hoof. She trembles the entire time then yanks her hoof free and giggles.

“Flirting with a princess is strictly forbidden! I could have you locked up for that!”

I tilt my head, so I can look at her.

“As long as you still come and visit me, I’d be fine with that.” I had no idea it was possible, but she bows her head and smiles, and I swear dark red blush marks appear on her cheeks. She starts her royal walk again.

“How is her persona - “ she glances at me and interrupts herself with a sudden spike of giggling. “Her personality!” I raise an eyebrow and smile.

“You almost sound...jealous. A jealous princess. Who ever heard of such a thing!”

She walks by my head, snips at me jokingly then smiles.

She lowers her head right next to mine.

“Maybe I know this accomplice of yours!” she whispers in my ear, with that same silly accusatory tone. I put my hand on her mane and tug her ever so gently closer to me. I turn my head and look into her eye. In its reflection I can see my own brown iris catching the moonlight. Her eye opens slightly, giving me the same captivated stare I usually give her. Her eye trembles, she breaks eye contact while giggling and pulls her head away. I let out a loud laugh

“Huh...that’s actually kinda fun.”

She trots to my side and playfully kicks my outer thigh.

“That’s my job you jerk!”

“I’m pretty sure you liked it.”

She rushes over to me and mercilessly bats me with her wings, while laughing the entire time and rearing up briefly on her hindlegs.

I lean forward, grab her around the midsection, and pull her sideways onto my chest. She flaps her wings trying to playfully escape while grinning the entire time, laughing with that adorable high-pitched squeal of hers. I keep holding on to her. She stops after a few seconds and rests her head on my bare chest. I felt embarrassed that my heart was pounding so fast, but I could feel hers doing the same. We lay there for about half an hour, saying nothing, doing nothing, just enjoying the night together. We look up as a few stars race across the sky. She takes a deep breath and goes back to laying her head down.

My right hand slowly strokes her mane as our breathing calms down and becomes synchronized. My other hand stays on her back, gently rubbing it up and down. She strokes my left arm casually with her hoof.

“How long do you think the peace will last?” She asks hesitantly.

I lean forward and slowly nuzzle her hair while inhaling the vanilla fragrance.

“I’m not sure. Probably a while.” She sits up and looks at me.

“What makes you say that?” I stop lying on the ground and hunch over a bit. I reach forward and stroke her shoulders reassuringly with my thumbs.

“Well if I were Zaran, which in some super weird way I kinda am, I would have attacked by now. This prolonged peace can only help restore moral and isn’t of any benefit to him. We’ve removed Z7 from play for now and I’m assuming his next strategy is a massive assault. I think he’s still building up his forces. Regardless, we’re going to have the largest battle we’ve ever seen when it starts.” Luna looks down and nods slowly.

“Do...you ever think about...the other yous?” I have to blink a few times at the question.

“Actually, I guess there’s still technically the good pony version of me and my evil human counterpart. I...wonder what they’re like…” Luna looks up at the stars.

“Starswirl told me he doesn’t think any evil counterpart is actually evil, but rather a victim of circumstance. He was never able to explain how it all starts, but it’s a long history of survival instinct. He was dead set on even being able to bring somepony back from being evil. He was responsible for a lot of our reform programs as well. Somewhere along the way though...he lost hope. He never told us what happened or where he disappeared to. We kept asking, but he refuses to answer. Anyways, as far as coming back from evil goes, aren’t Lucretia and Emeris technically their evil counterparts?” She paws at the ground timidly.

“From what Starswirl said, do you think…” I narrow my eyes.

“No. I don’t think there’s any coming back for Zaran. Even if he did change, could we ever trust him?” Luna looks into my eyes before gazing at the sky again.

“I guess not.” She says with a disappointed sigh. I frown a bit and plant my hands on the ground.

“Wait...what do you mean...Starswirl was gone?” Luna shrugs.

“Legend said that he and a handful of others fought a dangerous creature, but the details were extremely vague.” I gently put my hand under her jaw and turn her face to mine while raising an eyebrow.

“Luna...I don’t mean to sound paranoid, but how do we know that this is actually the real Starswirl then?” Luna smirks.

“Oh come on Raiden, he clearly has the magical aptitude of Starswirl.” I let out a silly, exaggerated groan.

“This better not be the changeling routine again.” Luna grins and chuckles. Her hair brushes my chest as it bounces, causing me to squirm mildly. Luna pretends to relax against me, then suddenly sits up and starts tickling my sides with her hooves. I do my best to restrain her forelegs as we laugh together, wiggling around on the roof top. She finally gives up and lays next to me panting. The smile fades from my mouth and I stare into those gorgeous eyes of hers. She starts right back. We lie there quietly, just watching the other. For the first time, my cheeks didn’t burn unbearably hot.

“Luna I’m...I’m sorry for everything I’ve done. I don’t know why I get so angry or scared, but...I just want you to be happy. I’m working on it, I swear.” Luna slowly nods her head and gives me a light smile.

“Considering all you’ve been through, believe me I get it. Not every scenario was that black and white though. I completely understand you going off on Lancercore since you were relying on them, but you seem to forget: they’re just ponies, not soldiers.” I put my hands up gracefully.

“No, no, I get it. It was just in the moment, after everything we had sacrificed, and they just left us there...I lost it. I know my expectations of them are too high, but what choice do I have but to trust them. I’ll...apologize to them soon.” I stare up at the stars, watching a few simple clouds crawl by.

“I guess there was also the...time I tried to assassinate Celestia…” I swallow and glance at Luna, who looks away as soon as we make eye contact. Luna exhales slowly, but I can easily hear it.

“Now that was a bit different. At least you didn’t pull the trigger. I couldn’t have forgiven you if you had actually gone through with it, even though it would have bounced harmlessly off her shield. I’m assuming you were operating on pure paranoia, even though I can hardly fathom exactly what you were thinking. Honestly I was more infuriated that after everything we’ve done to try and help out, you pulled that crap.” She turns towards me and strokes my cheek with her hoof.

“But I know you’re trying and I really appreciate that. I think most ponies underestimate the amount of horrors you’ve had to endure, maybe even you don’t fully grasp it. You had to go from committing suicide, to helping out strangers in a war you thought was finally over, while also trying to out-predict a psychic creature that had a genius level of intellect. Then there’s all the things you’ve gone through with Taraska and Hurrand alone which I’m sure is its own bag of wonders. And to top it all off, you allowed yourselves to be murdered over and over to defend the last place we can call home.” The smile returns to her face.

“Honestly, when you spell it all out, hopefully you can understand why I give you a lot of slack. I try to keep in mind all the things you’ve done for us at all times.” I take her ankle in my hand and stroke it with my thumb. She relaxes her leg and just lets me hold it for a while.

“Luna...I can’t explain how much I appreciate you understanding...everything. If we’re being honest, when we first came here, my orders were to spy on you. I started going through the same routine, but you two changed me. It wasn’t easy taking in legitimate kindness, knowing there wasn’t any catch to it. I’m glad I did though. When...the last time I was taken to Taraska...they tried to torture me into giving up information. I didn't. Not one damn thing they could use. I actually tried to jump out the window because I was scared that I’d crack. My ankle gave out before I could. Seeing you and your sister again though...the fact you actually came to check on me...I can never fully express what that meant. And then you actually stormed the castle and rescued me.” I let out a loud laugh, but Luna stares at me in horror. I realized I hadn’t quite explained what went on. I reach over and stroke her cheek with my palm. She shakes her head while gawking.

“I...I can’t believe all the things you’ve endured for us...how come you never said anything?!” I take in a deep breath while I think.

“Honestly...pride perhaps? Maybe I was accustomed to just keeping stuff in. Or perhaps I wanted to protect you from it all. It always felt like a burden telling you things about myself.” Luna’s eyes start to fill with tears. She lunges at me, wrapping me in the strongest hug she can muster.

“You’re not a burden! I...we love you so much!” My fingers dig deep into her warm, silky fur and we stay locked like that. I start massaging the back of her neck as we lay under the sky. She nuzzles my ear then lets out a small giggle.

“Now that I think about it, aren’t you supposed to save the princess?” We laugh together, letting our cares melt away in the moment. I stroke her back gradually then pull her tighter.

“How...how are you so...understanding?” Luna lets go and props herself up just enough, so her muzzle is an inch from my face. She nuzzles my nose while closing her eyes and sighs.

“Tell you what...can we discuss it another night? I know I said tonight but...I’m having a good time.” I nod in response and pull her back to my chest. She smiles and adjusts herself while nuzzling me. Her eyes open and she looks up at me without moving much from her position.

“So...CY’s wedding. Do Taraskans have weddings? What are they like?” I nod and stroke the back of her head.

“Yes, but they’re different from most cultures. Back a hundred or so years ago, Queen Janice saw our nation was slowly falling apart. She started implementing changes to make things more...interesting. Her most praiseworthy change, was Taraskan weddings. They used to be very stale, formal and honestly, they were just a custom. She decided to have the next couple try something different when they got hitched. She had the groom and bride have their parties choreograph intricate dances. Not like ballroom dances, almost like war dances. Fire twirlers, acrobatics, everything. In exchange, she’d pay for the wedding. It became a huge hit and gradually, people started their own customs like games based on war scenarios.” Luna busts out laughing.

“Typical Taraskans. Wedding? War related. Diplomacy? War related. I’m assuming your funerals involve dodging daggers?” I chuckle loudly and pull her in for a firm hug.

“I’m afraid funerals are still the same, although it’s considered appropriate to list the flaws of that individual. It can even be rude to exaggerate in the dead’s favor. We want to remember each person for who they really are, not some contrived fantasy that makes the family feel better. Some might even assume that if your speech is too good, that you’re just kissing ass to either get an inheritance or the free food there. Of course, you’ll always need to tread lightly around grieving warriors.” Luna nods a bit and blinks with a blank face.

“Huh….you Taraskans are….certainly something. I could never imagine tolerating someone speaking ill of a loved one while we all mourn. I get it though. So...these wedding games, what are they like?” I wrap her ear between my thumb and index finger, then begin to massage it.

“Well, the most popular one is called the Gen Dez. The couple stands in the middle of a large area and they get only one sword and one shield. They must keep holding hands as they defend against attackers.” Luna looks up at me with a grin and narrowed eyes.

“You’re making that up!” I look down at her and slowly shake my head while smiling.

“Not at all. However, the attackers use polearms with the ends wrapped in hay. They won’t actually hurt anyone. They’re also super heavy. Also, the sword is wooden. Typically, the groom’s party goes in with polearms, and the bride’s party launches special arrows with cake on the end. The arrows don’t actually have a tip and are also made to be safe. The very ends of them are wrapped in string before the pastries get added on. The couple keeps going as long as they’d like. It’s just for fun.”

Luna lifts her head, so her muzzle is level with my face.

“Is there any chance we can try that?! I mean, does it have to be the groom and bride?!” I let my head fall back and laugh as I wrap her in another solid hug.

“We can ask, I’m sure they wouldn’t mind letting us take a turn.” Luna sits down, but rests her back against me as she gazes up at the sky.

“Any other games that are fun?” I bite my bottom lip as quietly as possible.

“There’s...one last game that is...well it’s more romantic than anything. It’s called Rose Garden. The couple changes into completely black attire, or whatever color is chosen beforehand. They all join in one big ballroom dance and the groom and bride take turns lifting up these massive veils to try and find their partner. They trade off, getting three chances each. Basically you have your own veil over you as well, so it’s difficult to really see anything besides basic shapes. If the couples find each other, it traditionally means they’re meant to last.” Luna squeezes herself in place.

“Awwww! That’s so cute! I didn’t know you Taraskans had a soft side!” I reach around her, place both hands on her ankles and give her a big squeeze.

“You have no idea.”

The next few hours soar by and before I know it, our time is up.

Luna gets off my chest and stretches her front and hind legs. She hangs her head in disappointment.

“I’m sorry Raiden, I’m afraid I’m still a Princess of the Night. I have dreams to look after.” I get up and sweep my arms behind my back while groaning.

“What do you mean by dreams to look after?” Luna turns her head to either side, pulling at her neck muscles.

“My special power is the dream world. I can look into the dreams of any creature on our planet.” She kicks her hind legs vigorously a few times until she catches me gawking at her. She raises an eyebrow in confusion. My mouth trembles involuntarily.

“You...you can look into...anyone’s dreams?” She narrows her eyes and a slow smile crosses her mouth. She keeps her lips closed and wiggles her eyebrows at me before leaping into the air.

“Catch you later Captain Raaaaideeeen!” I bury my face in my hands and groan.