Seven days. I have been dearly anticipating the next time I would be entering the world I have woven for my beloved and I. And during that wait, I have been honing my skills in the dream realm. Tugging on the threads hold each dream together, seeing what makes each world tick. How to slow and speed up the passage of time. The average dreamer only sleeps for a total of eight hours. Sometimes even less. But there are much more than eight hours in a full day.
I have only seen my beloved twice in the depths of that beautiful paradise. Only twice, yet every visit felt much too brief. He would not remember such a phenomenon. Each visit would plant new memories of the time spent apart. Memories of him living a life that happens even when he is not aware of it. But the memories that would matter most would be those we create together.
Such anxiousness with every passing day. I was able to keep up appearances in the first few days. Telling lies became easier with each conversation. My sisters and parents suspect nothing. And I have carried on with my duties and with my research. Still nothing concrete yet on how to bridge the realms of dream and reality for someone other than myself. But I know it is possible. Or it should be possible in theory.
But tonight... This would be the night where he and I would reunite in a world meant just for the two of us. And I am so anxious that I fear I may not even be able to sleep. But I must. Warm soothing tea. And a rainstorm is falling over Canterlot. That gentle pattering of rain upon the roof and the windows is just the soothing serenade I need. And tonight... I pray that I have learned of how exactly to have the flow of time be sufficient for a full day in the realm of dreams.
My spell is in place and I begin to slumber. The dream nexus spreads out before me like countless times before. A sea of fog beneath an ocean of stars. And there is only one dream I wish to visit. One of my own and his. And with the summoning of a rift in space, I enter.
It still strikes me as ironic as I begin this dream within my own chambers. It was as if I sleep through the night in its entirety and morning has already come. No pattering of rain or the occasional rumble of thunder. As with every day in the realm of reality, my day in this alternate reality begins in my bedchambers. And hopefully this woudl be the day where a full day would be ours to experience together. They say the third time is the charm.
I must play along for the first hour or so. Greeting my false sisters, joining them for our morning meal. It still astounds me just how...real this world feels. There have been times where I momentarily forget that the world I am in is not in the realm of reality and believed that I was merely living my day to day life. What a paradox, dreaming only to feel like one is not dreaming to begin with! Were I to completely fall for the illusion, would I awaken exhausted as if I had never rested to begin with?
I can only wonder what happens in this world when I am not consciously present to witness it. Celestia and Luna... They teasingly whisper to me on occasion. Asking about my 'charming knight' in Ponyville. Do they know? What has happened in this world while I am away? Something must have happened. Or perhaps they can truly see just how madly in love I am with my future king.
I play along with the illusion. They feel too real and sincere to just be mere mirages. This world is alive as are those who reside in it. I do tell them how my heart pines for the fledgling knight who rescued me from myself that fateful night. And...they approve. Wholeheartedly! I feel simply giddy with mirth! Celestia, you may be set to be his queen in the waking world. But her, she seems to harbor no such feelings of romance and desire towards him. If anything, she seems excited at the thought of that wonderful man joining the royal family as my king. My sisters were always kind and accommodating to him even before my sister of the dawn found love with him.
What is with that knowing smirk each of them share? Not simply teasing me... Goodness, my face is flushed. My sisters know all too well how much I desire that man. And...a knock at the great door to the throne room? Ah, I see glances you two are giving me! Neither of you can keep a straight face! What do you two know?
One of the guards enter. A visitor requesting an audience...with me? I shall see to this myself. The way my sisters giggle amongst themselves... Did they arrange for this? Did they send for someone?
I trot down the halls towards the main entrance hall with the guard as my escort. This apprehension in my heart... I feel like I know exactly who has arrived at our castle gates. And once I arrive at the top of that grand staircase... There he stands. Two guards carrying spears at his side... Whatever are you two doing?! Leave his side! You dare suspect foul play from a hero?!
I must remind myself that I wove this world well before certain changes happened. This wonderful world crafted in one night only for war to follow mere days later. My beloved does not carry the honor of knighthood in this world. Mother and Father do not exist alongside my sisters. And there will be no risk of war. And now... Only he stands before me.
What brings you here today, my love? It is a long ride up the mountain from Ponyville. Of course, my sisters did provide you with a lifetime pass for that train line. And they requested you visit today? For...me? Ohohoho, Celestia and Luna. Playing Eros today, are we? Truly, be they dream or reality, they have always been fine sisters to me.
But...what now? Have they arranged for me to take leave of my duties for the day? I am the one who must entertain our guest. But...but... Ack, why must my heart and nerves be at odds with each other now?! This is not like how things are between us in the waking world! We have had time to grow together...yet not be able to truly be together. But now... What do I do?! Everything has returned to being barely more than a blank slate! For all we have been through, I am so inexperienced in the art of courtship at the earliest levels...
What is this? He...appears to be equally unsure of himself. Standoffish and...shy. Much shyer than he usually tends to be. The guards have all departed. We stand alone in this vast empty hall. And...he apologizes? For getting too bold with that massage session a week ago?
My love... I know exactly what you were conveying with that masterful touch. But I cannot tell him that. Not yet. I know he longs for me as I long for him. The buds have formed. But we must nourish their roots to give them time to blossom. I bring my horn to his scalp and gaze into those lovely eyes of earthen brown. Do not be ashamed, my dear. You would not do that for just any mare. But what now? You are here for me, yes? We have the entire day to ourselves.
Yes... An embrace. A means to soothe our nerves. Hold me for a moment as I hold you. I pray that I have truly found the means to have an entire day's worth of hours pass before we can awaken back to the realm of reality. Now then, my dear... How about we vacate the premises and have a day out on the town? You seldom even visit Canterlot to begin with. Plenty still to discover.
My heart refuses to be still... Our courtship has properly begun as we depart the castle. What is that term? A...date? The Princess of Dreams...on her first date. Ugh, I feel old. I am truly ageless, yet I suddenly feel like an old crone. When I imagine a date, I see fillies and colts who are not quite mares and stallions gallivanting about town with their own budding inexperienced relationships. Sharing a milkshake at the café, visiting the local cinema, watching the sun setting over the horizon... And yet I only now am on my very first date. A late bloomer, one might say...
Hm? Oh my, even he appears to find some awkwardness in the situation. The poor dear is only in his mid 20s, yet even he is inexperienced in such affairs. I know his story. He knew love once. With a young human woman of his world. But it was a love conveyed through text and sound and never through touch. And when the time finally come for them to hold each other, the facade came crashing down. A deranged and deceptive wench hailing from a clan of vice and lunacy. They all deceived him. And she hurt him. Robbed him. And sent him home with three years of devotion built upon a world of lies being all for naught. The one time he flew close enough to the moon to hold it, he discovered too late that the glow of the moon was the scorching blaze of the sun.
But not me. I will never scorch my beloved. For I am the gentle glow of the moon he so dearly cherishes. I will be his moon and he will be my sun. I shall soothe him in the night while his gentle blaze will always serve as my guiding light. James, my love. Even if you do not know it yet, you will always be safe under my wings.
He remains close to me. Almost as if not comfortable or feeling out of place amongst the great pale and golden spires of Canterlot. I can see that he hails from humbler roots. The concept of possessing such riches that Canterlot has developed a reputation for providing is almost alien to him. I can see that he could never imagine himself being among the elite. Never one to regularly don a tuxedo. Or to spend hundreds of bits on a single bottle of the finest wine. He is a much more frugal man than that. And I adore him for that. Royalty I may be, yet I love how this wonderful man understands what truly matters in life. Knowing this... A love blooming between princess and commoner? Intriguing. I would even say inspiring. If only I did not have to keep quiet about this affair, I am certain someone would be very eager to write a novel about such a daring romance.
And yet... Hmph, how odd. I only just now see that he is not the only one who is out of place in the city of Canterlot. Where Celestia has always blended in quite well with her pale form and regalia of shimmering gold and Luna's cooler colors compliment the pale purples that spot the architecture, I...do not blend in so well. My sable form makes me stand out like a splash of ink. At one time, the sight of me strolling down the streets would have invoked terror among the populace. But now, even in this world of illusion given life, they instead hearken me with smiles and adoration. I belong...yet do not fit in. And in that regard, he and I are the same.
Enough aimless wandering. I hunger in this world of dreams. But where to dine for our midday meal? That aroma on the breeze... Pizza. An unmistakable aroma of baking dough and savory spices. Simple and popular among the commoners, yet famous for its versatility. And that pizzeria... I do believe James and my sister took the time to dine there together so shortly after Discord's demise.
Bah, enough of these royal protocols. I see him eyeing that location hungrily. Come, my dear. Let us sate our appetites with cuisine that all can enjoy. Oh, do not be so coy. A princess can enjoy common fare as well as the common folk. Please, my dear James. I insist we dine here.
Ah, the aroma is thick in this place. It is whetting my appetite. And the customers, there being many in the middle of the day, all cast their eyes upon me and so little upon my beloved. If only this were the realm of reality, they would surely be casting him some greetings as well. He may have been knighted there, but not here. But perhaps that is for the best. One would expect a princess to woo a decorated knight, but never a commoner known to few.
I like the look of these salads on the menu. And these choices... Mushrooms of many types on an olive oil sauce? The classic and juicy margherita? Mm, why do we not partake in this cuisine more often? Although it would be quite a sight to see a stack of pizzas delivered to the castle. The guards already routinely have stacks of donuts delivered there to begin with.
The margherita it is. What now then as we wait? The atmosphere is lively and the interior design festive. And that music being played over the clamor... Delightfully rustic. Ah, I see that gaze in his eyes. We do not get to see each other alone like this often, do we? Even before the war.
Please, my dear... Hold my hoof? None shall notice with the table cloth draped between us and them. Ah, my metal shoe is not the most comfortable thing to hold. Yes, set it aside for now. There... Always a tender touch. Never a warrior. Always the poet. I know it has likely been said many times, but this man has always had the hands of an artist. Hands meant to nurture and create and never destroy.
Artist... Ah, that has given me an epiphany. Canterlot is famous for its appreciation of the arts. And it has been quite some time since we last visited one of the museums together. Perhaps they could be our next destination. Do you agree, my dear?
It is settled. The nearest art gallery shall be next. But until then... Please continue to hold my hoof, my dear James. I know I lack the fingers needed to mirror your grasp. I cannot hold your hand like the Dragon Lord can. But your touch is comforting all the same. I vow to hold you in my wings as soon as I can away from prying eyes.
His grasp only loosens once our meal arrives. Crisp assorted lettuce sprinkled with cheeses and slices of juicy tomatoes spread across a pizza with thick patches of white spotting that zesty sauce. Dream or no dream, I am famished! Let us feast!
Utterly delightful. Pizza has such an undeserved reputation as a simple or silly food. There is an art to this type of food. No wonder it is so popular with the common folk. He and I do not speak as much as we dine, but the shared joy of a good meal is palpable. And we depart with full hearts and equally full stomachs. But the day is still young. Onward to the gallery.
It is unfortunate that I had to include an undesirable demographic when I wove this world. Canterlot would not be Canterlot without the elite. There are few saints among them. Some are still altruistic enough in spite of their arrogance. And too many are simply detestable. The closer we draw towards the finer establishments of Canterlot, the more numerous they become. And now I can feel their gazes providing us with the kind of attention that I so dearly did not desire.
I know what they are thinking. Whatever is this commoner doing in the company of one of Equestria's true sovereigns? And it is most unfortunate that at least a few of them have become enemies of my beloved. The gall of those two, nearly assaulting him with a bread knife right in front of my sisters and I. The audacity of the Canterlot elite knows no bounds. And their egos know no restraint. I can only imagine what unpleasantness Celestia was subjected to when the two of them were out and about with each other.
I am nearly surprised that none approach or even dare speak up against the two of us. They even seem to be giving us a wide berth. Perhaps my reputation precedes me. Being the black sheep of the royal family does carry some perks, I suppose. Yes, mind your distances. You would be wise to not accost my future king, you pretentious fops. What is that, my dear? You are surprised by their lack of input? Ah, you smirk as I do. You know exactly why.
The first art gallery on our list. I can only wonder if anything in here even exists in the realm of reality. And yet my beloved is very taken with all on display. Canvases and sculptures being observed and appraised by commoner and elite alike. More prying eyes... Perhaps our people believe I am giving this man a guided tour out of some form of obligation. But my dear James does not appear to notice. He is more taken with being in his element.
The more abstract paintings and creations do not seem to interest him as much. He barely observes for more than a moment before moving on to the next. He is a man who prefers clarity over conjecture. A man who seeks the truth instead of endless pondering and debating the what ifs and maybes. A clear vision with proper definition. I dare not inquire as to why, but it is an admirable perspective. Why waste time and effort confusing each other over hypotheses when one could establish what is real and what is not?
James is much more taken with the impressionist caste of paintings. He is especially impressed with those where the artist applied excessive amounts of paint in a manner where certain sections of the image literally reach out. Almost as if one could reach in and touch what the artist was seeing. He is so very tempted to caress the painting, yet resists the urge. His gentle hands would cause no harm to the artifact, although I doubt the museum curators would agree.
I myself appreciate even the more abstract items on display. Perhaps it is in my nature as the Princess of Dreams. The nature of the dream realm is inherently abstract. Veils that twist and bend, defying reality to display even the impossible upon the lids of a dreamer's eyes. Always shifting and changing, no two dreams being alike. And when not lucid, it is always a challenge just to recall clearly what one saw before awakening just for the memories to become nearly impossible to recall. As if the experience was seen through a lens of impressionism before suddenly shifting to a lens set to a cubism setting.
He and I have become so taken by all that is on display that I failed to realize we have become separated. No need to panic. He will not depart without me and the walls of this world remain stable. It is much to soon for him to wake up. Although by now... Yes, I believe I have had my fill. How long have we been wandering the exhibits? Let me see if I can find him near the entrance.
There he is. A fine time together, yes? We could visit the other galleries and museums, but I fear that would be too excessive. I do not wish to bore my beloved. Perhaps...something a bit more invigorating to excite the senses instead of soothing them? Let us return to the castle. I know just the thing to add some variety to our time together.
I guide my dear James back into the vast halls of the my home and out to the courtyard. Wait here for me while I fetch us some...toys to play with. Toys that he is very adept with. Instead of a visit to my chambers, I pay a visit to the armory. There is one art form my beloved is most appreciative of and...oh... Oh dear.
After having to redesign our armor and rescale our weapons during the War of Preservation, I had forgotten how...undersized the weapons of the royal guard is compared to those wielded by creatures of greater stature. While ideal for ponies, these swords are simply too small for a towering human warrior. What to do...
No one is...watching, yes? I must keep up the illusion around him, but perhaps here... Yes, this will do nicely. The dream realm is mine to weave as I see fit. A little stretch here and...there. Perfectly scaled for human use. A fine saber for him. But...I do believe I would prefer a rapier. These diminutive blades are too small even for me. I wonder if a little dueling experience will stick with James even with his memories of tonight being left buried until our next venture? Even if his mind fails to recall the experience, perhaps his body will remember when needed.
I had best not keep him waiting. The guards I pass do not seem to find anything amiss about me carrying a saber and rapier at my side. And there he is...what is this? It would seem he has amassed a few feathered friends while resting in the courtyard. I suppose the few visits he has made among the royal garden has endeared him to the local avian residents. He always did have an affinity towards birds.
It would be rude to interrupt. Those little finches are so dearly enjoying the sliding caresses of his fingers. Bowing their heads to invite him to preen them. Ah, now he notices me. And he appears hardly surprised by what I have brought with me. He reaches for the saber as our guests scatter to the underbrush nearby. I took the precaution to dull the blades before leaving the armory. Even in the real of dreams, I do not wish to see my beloved harmed.
He has assumed a proper stance for wielding a saber. Opposite hand curled into a fist and kept against his lower back. Although he appears unsure of how to deal with a sword that is simply floating before him without a hand to hold it. No matter. I shall take it slow and impart onto him the knowledge of how to counter a rapier with the saber.
My beloved waves his saber about, but not in proper swings. I am aware that saber duels primarily focus on swing the saber in one of six directions, bit only against another saber. Such theatrics would just leave one wide open against the narrow thrusting blade of a rapier. One must be patient and cautious against a rapier with its quick stabs and great reach. He staying on the defensive, waiting to gauge my abilities.
I make a gentle thrust as he waves his blade constantly as if inviting me to a dance. He lifts his blade to try and parry, but I pull back and thrust again. Yes, he retreats with a step. Again and again we repeat. Stab, parry, disengage, then stab again. Ah, excellent! Parry my thrust before twirling the blade into my own to smack it away! He is growing more confident.
The clash and clang of steel blades fills the air. Gentle strikes without malice. My beloved is still rather skittish, staying on the defensive as he lures me around in a circle with backward steps more often than not. But...there! Parry my thrust while stepping forward and moving past my blade! I cannot retreat in time. Oof, I felt that. A light tap against my neck. He is the first to land a blow. And he apologizes profusely while reaching for my wound. Except there is none. All I can do is laugh.
Over and over we dance and clash. The metallic hiss of blades sliding against each other. And we match each other blow for blow. I deliver a gentle poke to his torso while he follows with another defiant weave around my blade to smack me upon my neck. Although I admit I am now growing rather sore in a few spots. Perhaps that will do for today.
What an invigorating performance. Perhaps the rigors of the battlefield remain etched into his nerves even now. May his experiences never fail him. I shall return these blades to the armory. Oh, you wish to follow? By all means, please do.
What a paradox, being a man who desires nothing but a peaceful life while possessing such a fascination with the art of swordplay. As soon as we arrive, he is already browsing the wooden racks within the armory. And is perplexed by how much too small each weapon is for him to use. What's that, my dear? You ended up in a duel with that insufferable Blueblood at your first Grand Galloping Gala and had to use the largest sword available just to wield something that would be practical for a man of your height? Ha, if I could have witnessed it!
He is examining every type of weapon one by one. Taking each in hand and finding them to be entirely unfitting for human use. Too large to be used like daggers, yet just too small for human techniques. Even the spears are too short for use in both hands. Although...he is holding it in a reverse grip now? Ah, I see. While too short for melee combat, they would still excel as a javelin.
I am tempted to interrupt, but he is still examining the armory with great interest. Patience, Nightmare Moon. He is your beloved, but he is also your guest. Perhaps I should... Hm?
Strange... What was that? Was that a ripple on this world veil? No, it is much too soon. And yet...there it is again. Something...on the outside. No... Someone. Alive...yet neither awake nor dreaming...
I... I must excuse myself. Pardon me for now, my love. I hope you can entertain yourself for a while longer. He does not appear to suspect anything is amiss. And it is for the best he does not. For I know the one who is knocking at our doors is not one he wishes to see. Not yet.
I stand secluded out in the courtyard amongst the bushes and trees. And as I feel for a disturbance... Sensing what I can beyond the veil of our shared dream... Something is trying to enter this world. A presence only vaguely aware of itself. It is gravitating towards something here... Or rather someone. I know this presence. The little wyrm... She is longing for him.
My beloved spoke bitterly when we last discussed her. She requested he not seek her out while she contemplated her sins against him. But now...she draws near. If she is seeking him now, has she found the answers she sought?
Her heart is heavy. There is...a certain desperation within. Even is not entirely aware, she would have found him by now had that veil not be put in place. She is seeking him, yet... No.
Forgive me, little wyrm. Not tonight. You cannot see him while we slumber together in this world. Not like this. You will find the opportunity to see him and do what must be done, but for now... Please, let me be selfish just this once. I know you long for him. But tonight, he is mine and mine alone.
With a slight flex of my magical might, I turn her away. I can feel her presence aimlessly drifting off towards the edges of his dreaming mind. As if she was convinced he was not ahead on the path she was following. She will continue to wander for a time longer before her heart guides her back to him. Be patient, little wyrm. The time will come when you can see him alone once more. I only pray I will not have to intervene next time.
With that crisis averted, I return to the armory. And yet...he is gone? Everything was put back in a neat and orderly fashion, but there is no sign of him. But he cannot hide from me. I can sense a presence not like the rest in this world. Ah, I see. Dream this world may be, but his body still feels as if it is very real. And a living physical body has needs.
I make my way down the halls and find him emerging from one of the lavatories. Shaking his hands free of moisture after having just washed them. No need to apologize for wandering off, my dear. But what now?
Hmm... You are a man who favors the arts, yes? Have you partaken in witnessing an opera performance? I can assure you that Celestia would never invite you along for one. She finds the experience dreadful. But you are willing to try it? Then let us be off. Luna and I have developed a fondness for it and have acquainted ourselves with the schedules. We should be just in time if we depart now.
Goodness, I am simply giddy as we stroll through the town. Now this is much more like what one would expect from a date. He seems invigorated too. A man with such a penchant for flowery prose surely must also be partial to the most elegant of melodies. Just a shame that opera is often sung with lyrics that are not decipherable to most. But I suppose that only adds to the mesmerizing effect upon one's ears. Like a choir of angels calling from beyond the mortal coil.
How vast the opera house always seems when I take a seat at our usual booth. Oh dear, I can see Celestia and Luna far on the other side as the elite and common folk alike crowd into the rows of seats below. They are much too distant, but I must wonder what Luna did to convince Celestia to accompany her this time. For as beautiful as operatic melodies are, I suppose not everyone has the patience for it. Although my beloved has always been a patient man. And he appears intrigued as if this is his first time experiencing the wonders of opera.
The curtains rise. And the star of the show begins her sonata. The gentle call of the violins and the rings of piano keys echo through the hall as they serenade that captivating voice. I could listen to such a performance for hours. Just a shame the periodic round of applause always awakens me from my trance. Ha! Even my beloved appears to not appreciate the roar of applauding hooves when the song ends. But this is just the beginning.
The call of the starlet, the performance of rows of ballet dancers, the hymn of the finest strings and humming of keys... Such divine melodies are not appreciated by many. But they are appreciated by me. And my dear James... He is very taken with the experience. Time's flow means little. And when the curtain finally falls and they all take a bow... How many hours went by? My beloved and I are in an embrace with his arm around me and my wing around him. Entranced, yet not asleep. But not Celestia. I can see my sister slumped against the wall in slumber while Luna applauds all the same.
Did you enjoy yourself, my love? Wonderful time, yes? Opera has always been the queen of symphonies. I am so elated that it resonates with you as much as it does with me. Perhaps this experience will inspire your future writings, yes? Perhaps I could gift you with an album of some of their finest work...
The sun is setting as we exit the theater. Celestia and Luna have not neglected their duties even in this world. I almost assumed that something was amiss, but then I recall that autumn is upon us. The days get shorter as the nights grow longer. Which is just perfect for my love and I. You always adored the night, yes? Now you will be getting so much more of it before long. But now... How about we head on back? Oh, no no no, please. Do stay the night. Stay by my side, my love. I shall have Celestia send word to Twilight that Rarity is to be informed that you will not be returning until morning. Please, I insist. We would be honored to have you over for the night.
The poor dear. Always a humble man. So flattered by the invitation, yet still feeling so out of place. I hope you do not lose that quality when you are finally crowned as my king, dear James. But for now, let us be off. The night is cool, but the winds thankfully barely qualify as a zephyr. I know exactly how to go about this.
Upon returning to the castle, I cunningly request that Estoc entertain our guest with a little sparring session with rapiers in hand. Or at least in our guest's hand. That should work up an appetite. I call upon the chefs to provide an exquisite feast for our guest. And I set about with the guards to arrange a table on one of our more spacious balconies. Even better with it facing west and away from the city. A perfect view of that vast horizon.
I can hear them approaching. Estoc sounds like he enjoyed his little session with his onetime pupil. My beloved steps out onto the balcony. And what a sight it is. Even with the sun having sank over the horizon, its glow still illuminates the skyline with beautiful hues of pink and orange. Candles cast a modest glow from the center of the table with the wind too weak to disturb them. Please, my love. Be seated. Dinner should be arriving shortly.
The poor dear looks famished. And the chefs do not keep us waiting much longer. Such an array of colors they set upon the table for us. So many aromas. Dream or no dream, my appetite calls.
I almost feared my beloved would be disappointed by an exclusively vegetarian variety. But that is not the case. From the soup to the salads to the entrees, he is delighted by what he is tasting. Only to be finished off by the occasional sip of sparkling cider. It has been a good day. And an evening of good conversation.
It is faint, but I can feel it. The faintest rippling of a dreaming mind starting to stir. But we still have some time together. I believe I have made significant progress in working out the kinks when it comes to the laws of relativity in this world when it comes to the flow of time. But for now, with our time growing short... I would rather spend my time with no one but you, my love.
How was your day, my dear? Surely your hands appreciated the respite from massaging the powerful muscle of us ponies. You do not say? Even now, you earth pony clients are quite the challenge to satisfy? I hope you have been supplementing your delicate fingers with those sturdy elbows. Although you need not keep your fingers off me.
Did I really just say that? Forgive me, my dear. I meant nothing by that. Except I did. If only I could tell him. How I have lusted for that wonderful man. The beautiful dreams I have occasionally witnessed... How I wish that could be me in his arms, our bodies locked together in a pleasuring dance of love...
Patience, Nightmare Moon. You know he wants you as well. But do not throw yourself at him like some harlot. It is still too soon. In time we... Oh, thank you, my dear. You always were appreciative of my beautiful night. It is why I arranged for us to dine out here tonight. Oh? I am glowing in the moonlight? My dear, are you trying to woo me?
I can see it in his eyes. And he is so timid with his gaze. He does not want me to catch him staring for too long. He longs for me. James, my love... Gaze upon my beauty all you want. For this mare will be your queen one day. And my beauty will be yours as your wonderful heart will be mine.
James. Please, no more. Do not look away. Admire my beauty all you wish. It is because of you that the beauty of Nightmare Moon even exists today. You gave me...everything I have. By giving me the chance to...live. To be more than a demon of legend. When the entire world sought to erase me, you refused. I owe you my life. I owe you my heart. I owe you...everything. And I will be your everything in due time if you would have me.
He rises from his seat? That accursed rippling through the world again... He does not seem to notice it, but I do. We do not have much time left. There is purpose in those eyes... I rise from my seat and meet him as we step around the table and closer to the edge of the balcony. And...he holds me. And I hold him in my wings. His words are few, but...
My love. Please, grant me a selfish request. Kiss me. Not as a friend. But as a mare. Let me feel the touch of a man's lips upon my own. A man who will forever hold my heart.
And he...obliges. Our eyes close. And I feel a touch I have only felt so few times before. A kiss upon my lips... His fingers dragging through my billowing mane of midnight. A masterful touch of a man well versed in the art of love.
I love you. I love you with every fiber of my being, James. I only wish it was not too soon to tell you. Our time is short... Please, hold me. Do not release me. Let me leave this wonderful world while still in your arms.
The black void under the lids of my eyes has become much brighter even as I still feel his lips upon mine. And...the walls of my chambers standing before me. I feel so...empty to awaken without the touch of his lips upon mine. If only I could have awoken with him in my embrace...instead of having to leave it all behind. Little wyrm, I now know your pain...
For just one night, I tasted paradise. That was a day well spent. I visited the fountain of the heart's desires and caught a single drop of its blessings upon my tongue. It was the sweetest nectar, but that was the only taste I could partake in. And someday... Now that more and more pieces of the puzzle are falling in place, it will only be a matter of time before he and I are able to drink freely from the fountain.
Another night together with my beloved resulting in what felt like genuine progress. I should not wallow in disappointment. Canterlot was not built in a day. Smile, Nightmare Moon. You have set in motion your grand design. He was...happy. He...wanted me. I could feel it in his touch. I could see it in his eyes. My dear James desires me as I desire him. But I must be patient. Even Novo had difficulty convincing him to see past the veil separating royalty from the common folk on a fundamental level.
It would seem that he and I are forbidden fruit to each other in different ways. But all he has to do is reach out and pluck me from the branches of the royal tree atop Canterlot. He just does not have the courage yet. But I will win him over. It is only a matter of time.
I feel...at ease now. The third time truly is the charm. This feels...more right now than at the start. His memories of that night are locked away until we both enter that world again. They will not interfere with his life in the waking world. I must take comfort in this. It was a daring and selfish endeavor I set out to perform, but now it does not feel quite as risky.
A new routine is being set. One that is a detriment to none. But for now, the morning calls. And I shall face this day with renewed resolve.
Seven days. I shall see you again then, my love.