You gently lift yourself off the couch, observing the funny imprint from your flank. Walking over to the window opposite of the room, you see the luminescent moon slowly walk across the late night sky. The poor stars behind and near it are encompassed in its reflective glow. As miniscule strays of moonbeam trickle through the glass, the afflicted spots begin to relight the mysterious aura once again. Putting your hooves on the frame, you begin to assess the new variables.

Interesting.

“You alright there?” Apple Bloom asks with genuine concern.

“Yes,” you speak with confidence, “I am just fine.”

“Well that’s all nice and pretty, but you still haven’t given us a name, and if you aren’t I sure as hay will.”

“Of course,” you agree. “But I need to know a few things before I make my decision. First, what do you know of the moon?”

“It’s made of cheese,” Apple Bloom states as a matter of fact.

“Oh hush now Apple Bloom, he’s bein’ serious.” The farm mare joins you at the window, and looks up at the night sky as well. “It’s some kind a rock, and it floats around the sky, changing shape ever so slightly every night. Some cycle to do with Princess Luna I think.” She points to it directly, and continues. “Right now I’d say it’s just past a full moon and slowly workin’ its way to a new moon.”

“And yet that ‘some-kind-a-rock’ is making me glow with some kind of…” you side track for a moment, trying to think of the most appropriate word.

“Glow?” the younger sister asks. You turn around to face her directly.

“Sorry, no. Something a little more complicated, like an essence.”

A cog in the complex machine of your mind starts turning and forming a complete and seemingly obvious thought, or what seems obvious now.

“That’s it! It’s so simple!”

You face Applejack, who’s still staring out the window. You gently tap her on the shoulder, and she turns around.

“Greetings, my name is Lunar Essence and it’s a pleasure to meet you,” you greet her as if meeting for the very first time.

Playing along with your rouse, she replies, “Mighty fine to meet you Mr. Essence, I’m Applejack.” You shake hooves for a moment, sealing the deal.

“Wow! That’s such a neat name!” the young filly cheers as she runs up to shake your hoof too.

“Thanks, I guess it’s a step in the right direction.” The room gets quiet, either party not knowing what to say.

“So, anyways, I probably should get going.” You begin heading towards the door.

“What? Why?” Apple Bloom asks, questioning your motives.

“Well, I came and delivered the bucket of water and your lamp, and it looks like I’ve been repaid thanks to you helping me find a name.”

A foreleg stops you from moving by pressing against your chest. “Now I wouldn’t feel right lettin’ somepony like you go out into the night in your condition. Why don’t you spend the night here at Sweet Apple Acres. I know somepony who can help you.” Applejack stares into your eyes with genuine concern.

“Thanks Appl-“

“Probably.” She turns to her little sister, who was still standing in the middle of the room. “Alright, Apple Bloom, why don’t you go get Mr. Essence some blankets from the closet so ‘e can sleep on the couch.” She turns back to you. “That won’t be a problem, will it?” she asks kindly.

Better than a field, I’m surprised my back doesn’t ache like heck after laying down in that clearing for who knows how long.

“It’s fine, more than fine.” You nod your head. Apple Bloom returns with a soft hoof-knit blanket (unsurprisingly with apples woven on it) and hoofs it to you. With a kind thanks, you usher yourself to the soft sofa and lay down, beaten from today’s miasadventures. The two sisters go back to check on Big Macintosh, that’s what they said to you anyways, and leave you to rest. You’re not sure what time it is, but the comforting atmosphere sends you straight to sleep.

~~~

A voice echoes in the distance, calling out to you. It seems to be saying your name, but you can’t quite make it out.

…wake up. …wake up!

You slowly open your eyelids. It’s painstakingly white, everywhere. Immediately, you bounce up in shock. You’re standing, but on nothing. You can see, but there is naught to view.

…you’re awake, says the voice. Come on, we’re late.

“For what?” you reply into the nothingness.

This is just like you…

You think you catch a glimpse of a door closing, and from that glimpse you could tell it was closed with tremendous force, but not a sound was made.

You try to walk around the space, but there are invisible objects blocking your path. You attempt to feel around them, walking blindly with only your sense of touch to guide you. You manage to reach what you guess is a wall. Scuffling down one direction, you hit the frame of something. Using your hooves, you find a door handle.

The door opens for you, and the blistering white increases to an intensity beyond imagination, but only for a moment. Then, it’s all black, and you feel nothing around you. Even the ground disappears beneath your hooves. Slowly, you descend into a dark nothingness.

There are no words, you cannot speak. There is no wind to hear as you fall, there is no sight to see the ground, there is no smell to hint your fear, and no physicality of anything, even yourself, to grasp at.

You drift off into the unknown.