Summary: Princess Luna's duties as a dream walker have put her in many strange situations. But there are five visits she prizes as great successes, and one she will always regret.

Applejack was sobbing.

Luna immediately recognized one of the element bearers,even though she did not see them often. And she was confused.

Applejack had always seemed to her the type to contain her emotions, the most steadfast of the six. Even in a dream she would not break down like this if it was any normal occasion.

She walked closer, willing her clanking shoes away, until she was directly behind the orange mare.

"What is wrong, Applejack?" she said, so quiet it was almost a whisper.

Applejack's head whipped around, her eyes widening as she saw the princess. She hurriedly sank into a bow, sniffling and wiping her eyes as she did so.

"Princess. It's-It's nothing. Ah'm fine."

Luna sat, looking as the crouched mare.

"Applejack, dispense with such formalities."

Applejack quickly righted herself, sitting in the same position she had been in before.

"Applejack, I am only sent to the dreams of those who are deeply troubled. You may confide in me, I am sworn to secrecy. I also have millenia of advice at hoof."

Applejack sniffed again, before looking her.

"It's just that it was today that mah ma and pa died. Train back from Manehatten derailed."

Luna sighed. She had seen thousands of her little ponies pass, and each one pained her. To live a short mortal life, to be devoid of so many wonderful experiences, was painful. Especially when it was unusually short.

"Applejack," She said, wrapping her wing around the mare's shoulder. "Every little pony on this earth passes. Except for my sister and I. I have been with each one, and each final breath brings me sorrow. Do you know how I have continued all the days?" She said, staring into the mare's green eyes.

"I remind myself that they are well. That they are in a place beyond us, looking on with amusement and love. That though I will never join them, all those they love will. It is a small burden to bear."

Applejack had lowered her head again. She looked at the ground as she uttered her next words.

"Princess, that's a mighty nice thought, but Ah- Ah just can't convince myself of it. Ma and Pa didn't always think that way, and ah can't imagine them in a place they don't believe in. Really, if you wouldn't mind, Ah'd like to be alone."

Luna hung her head a bit and folded her wings as she stood.

"I see, Applejack. I am sorry I could not be of more help, and I pray thy sorrows abate."

Applejack only nodded, distracted. Luna knew she wouldn't recognize the old condolence given to the families of deceased soldiers of the guard, she probably just thought it was Luna slipping back into her old speech patterns. It didn't matter.

Once she was out of Applejack's dream, she began crafting a new one. She pulled thoughts of warm sun on apple trees, a red and white checkered blanket, and of Gala Apple and Satsuma Jr. When the dream was perfect as she could make it, she stepped out and pulled Applejack in.

She smiled as she heard the cry of "Ma! Pa!" ring out behind her.

Well, well, well. Ice, writing for MLP? yes. I finally got a FIMfiction account, so i decided to post this here too. #4 should e up in around three minutes.