It was still quite dark when Princess Luna returned from her patrol of the kingdom. She found the highest tower of Canterlot castle and circled it a few times before gingerly setting down in front of her sister, Princess Celestia, who was waiting patiently on top of the tower for Luna’s return.

“How did the night watch go, little sister?” asked Celestia as she watched Luna stretch her wings after the long night’s flight.

“Quite uneventful.” Said Luna, walking over to her sister’s side. “It's strange; I have always been able to see into the dreams of everypony in Equestria, but lately…”

“What is it Luna?” Celestia could sense that her sister was discouraged.

“I am not entirely sure. It could be nothing, but a few nights ago, as I was flying over Trottingham, I tried to see into the dreams of its citizens, but all I saw was fog. No ponies, no dreams, just a thick layer of fog; it was almost as if I was being blocked out. I wouldn’t have thought much of it if not for the fact that this same fog has been spreading to the dreams of ponies in other towns. I am not sure what I should do, my sister.”

“I wouldn’t put too much thought into it, Luna.” Celestia put a hoof on Luna’s shoulder. “I’m sure it’s nothing.”

“Perhaps it is, my sister, but I still feel uneasy. Maybe I should-“

“I’m sorry, Luna I’d love to listen to your story, but I have to go; the sun won’t raise itself.”

“Very well, Celestia.” Luna turned and started for the stairs. “I’m heading down to breakfast. Would you care to join me when you return?”

“No, I have studying that I must do.”

“Oh, uh, would you like me to have anything sent up to your room?”

“That won’t be necessary, I’m going to be really busy and I would very much like to be left undisturbed.”

“Very well. Have a good morning my sister.” But there was no response. Luna turned to look at Celestia, only to see her sister flying away, already a good distance away. Celestia had left before Luna had even finished talking.

Luna frowned as she walked down the stairs towards the first floor of the castle. It wasn’t unusual for Celestia to shut herself in her room and spend the day studying, it just seemed that lately the two were spending much less time with each other these days than they did in the past. Luna would have enjoyed being able to sit down and spend time with her sister again, especially now when she had so much on her mind. She was sure that Celestia would be able to give her good advice on how to approach her Trottingham problem.

Perhaps I should do a little investigating of my own, Luna thought as she reached the bottom of the long spiral staircase. After breakfast I’ll see about sending a couple of my guards to Trottingham to check on things.

Luna made her way through the winding halls of the castle until she reached the private dining room. It was smaller than the dining hall that was used when the princesses were entertaining guests; this one was made for the royal family to dine in peace and enjoy each other’s company. These days, however, Luna found the room to be very lonely as she ate most of her meals there alone.

After a nice breakfast of blueberry muffins and oatmeal, Luna called for Shadow Hoof, Captain of the Night Guard, to meet her in the dining room. She only had to wait a few minutes before a navy blue pegasus dressed in black and silver armor came into the room and bowed before the princess.

“You called for me, Princess Luna?” Shadow Hoof asked as he rose from the floor.

“Yes, it has come to my attention that something peculiar is occurring in Trottingham. For some reason I cannot see into the dreams of the resident ponies living there. I am not entirely sure why this is, but I feel that it needs to be investigated. I ask that you and three of your guardsponies fly to Trottingham and see if you cannot find the reason for this.” Luna saw a slight look of fatigue on her Captain’s face. “I apologize, Shadow Hoof, I understand that I am asking a lot; after all you must be tired after keeping guard all night. If you wish, I will ask one of the Day Guard to travel to Trottingham in your place.”

“No princess, I will do as you ask. I’ll gather my best stallions and we will gladly undertake this task for you.”

“Thank you, noble Shadow Hoof,” Luna bowed her head in appreciation. “I shall await your return.”
With another low bow, Shadow Hoof exited the dining room, leaving Luna alone. After a few minutes Luna yawned and looked at the clock. It was already seven in the morning; it was past time for Luna to retire to her bedroom. She got up from her chair, stretched her legs and wings, and started making her way to her room.

As Luna left the dining room, she spotted Celestia walking down the hall towards her, reading a book that levitated steadily in front of her face.

“Good morning, sister. How did the sun raising go?”

Celestia didn’t answer; she just continued her path, walking past Luna without taking any notice of her.

“I thought you might like to know that I have sent a couple of my guards to check on the abnormality in Trottingham; I am very curious to see what they have to report.”

Again, Luna’s attempts at conversation were met with silence.

“Ok, well, I’m going to bed, I’ll see you when it is time to raise the moon.”

At this, Celestia turned her head and glared at her sister.

“Luna, please!” Celestia snapped. “I told you before that I don’t have time to talk about your imaginary issues. Now please, leave me in peace!” In a bust of golden light, Celestia disappeared.

Luna just stood there shocked; yes there were times when the two did not get along, but never had Celestia sounded so cruel. Luna felt tears running down her cheeks as she turned and slowly retreated back to her bedroom. She wasn’t sure how much sleep she was going to get; she just couldn’t stop her mind from racing with everything that had been happening with Trottingham, and Celestia. As strong as the young princess was, this was just too much for her to handle.