A Total Eclipse of Their Hearts

“A Total Eclipse of Their Hearts”

Chapter 1:
“A Fateful Flight”

The sun had just set below the horizon and its last glowing embers began to fade from the sky. Night had once again begun. The sky gradually morphed becoming a beautiful dark blue. The crescent moon and stars were visible for all to see. Princess Celestia had lowered the sun and Princess Luna had raised the moon. The day was complete and night ushered forth.

It was a calm peaceful night in Ponyville. Most of the shops in town had closed for the night and the streets were mostly devoid of any ponies. There were just a few out enjoying the evening air. Spring had recently returned so it was a particularly cool night.

Twilight Sparkle was nestled on a plush blue cushion in the library of her tree home. There she enjoyed reading a curious tome she recently found in her vast collection of books. This was the first time she discovered she even had this book, so it made reading it all the more exciting. She brushed away a stray lock of her navy blue, purple and fuchsia hair using her right hoof as her eyes continued to pour over the pages.

“Are you still reading Twilight?” She heard Spike call out to her.

Pulling herself from her book, the unicorn looked up and saw her young dragon friend. Spike was seated at his desk putting the finishing touches on a report he wrote for Princess Celestia. She smiled at her assistant and placed the bookmark in her tome closing it. “Yes Spike I am. This is quite a riveting book. Did you need something?” She inquired to her scaly assistant.

Spike set down his quill and stood up. “No, but I just thought you’d like to know its nighttime all ready. You’ve been reading that book for most of the day,” the young dragon replied.

A slight rush of panic momentarily gripped Twilight as she rose to her hooves. “Did you say it’s night already?” The lavender unicorn asked anxiously.

“Uh, yeah, I did,” Spike answered somewhat sarcastically.

“Oh my gosh! What time is it?!” Twilight looked over at a nearby clock. “Phew, it’s only seven…wait SEVEN!!”

“Oh that’s right, the princess!” declared Spike.

“I know! Oh how could I get so sidetracked on the night Princess Luna is coming for a visit?” Twilight gasped.

Spike walked over to his unicorn friend and patted her on the shoulder. “Calm down Twilight. The place is all tidied up. Besides we still have nearly half an hour till Luna said she would be here,” he reminded her smiling politely.

A wave of relief coursed through the pony as she realized she hadn’t gotten too carried away. “Thank goodness,” she sighed, dropping back down to her cushion. “Well since I still have some time till Luna’s arrival, think I’ll read a little more.”

“Read?” Questioned Spike. “Don’t you want to spruce up and make sure you’re properly ready for our guest?”

Twilight pondered Spike’s question for a moment. Her horn lit up as a small mirror floated over to her. The young unicorn glanced at herself carefully in the mirror. Far as she could tell her mane looked neatly brushed and her face was clean and presentable. Twilight moved the mirror toward her flank. There her tail was found nicely brushed and her cutie mark was also clean and vibrant. “Seems I’m more than presentable,” she replied.

“I guess so,” Spike added.

“Beautiful…well back to my book then,” Twilight brushed him off opening her book.

The baby dragon just scratched his head and walked off to his room. The unicorn could distantly hear him mutter something about her and her love of books. It didn’t phase Twilight. All she cared about till the princess arrived was continuing her book.

Time sailed by quickly as Twilight continued to read. Her focus was abruptly pulled from her story by a swift but elegant knock at her front door. Setting down the tome, she checked the clock and saw it was now 7:30. Moving the fancy red ribbon bookmark, Twilight closed the book. She rose to her hooves and softly trotted to the door. Her horn illuminated as she used it to open the door. There standing behind it was the ever lovely and majestic Princess Luna. The dark blue alicorn’s flowing mane shimmered in the soft light of night. “Princess Luna! Welcome!” Twilight Sparked spoke greeting her guest.

“Good evening Twilight Sparkle. It is good to see you again,” said Luna softly smiling contently.

The young unicorn smiled back and said, “Please come in.” Twilight stood back as the princess slowly entered. “Wait a moment, where are your guards?”

Princess Luna let out a soft chuckle. “I’m the powerful princess of the night, blessed with strong magic. Why would I need guards to go visit a friend?” She asked the unicorn.

Twilight chuckled nervously and replied, “I guess I didn’t think about that. And well your sister always travels with guards, so I guess I just assumed you would as well.”

Luna smiled again. “It’s quite understandable. I suppose I don’t always behave as my sister does,” she admitted. This was quite true. Unlike her older sister, Luna didn’t always act in a manner befitting a princess. “So how are you on this wonderful night?”

“Great! I was just reading an amazing book I found this afternoon whilst tiding up,” Twilight answered.

The princess smiled and promptly inquired, “And what book has so captured your fancy my friend?”

Twilight shut the front door. She then lightly trotted over to her reading cushion. There the mare engaged the book with her magic lifting it up. “This one Princess Luna.”

“Please, just Luna will do. You have no need to be formal with me Twilight Sparkle,” the princess stated politely.

“Sure thing Luna. And you can just call me Twilight then,” acknowledged Twilight moving the tome so Luna could see the cover. “Here’s the book I was reading.”

Luna studied the cover carefully. The cover read: The History of Humans in Equestria. “Oh I remember this book. There is a copy in the Canterlot Royal Library. Thought I must admit even before my banishment it was rarely read. When I first discovered it there must have been at least a half inch of dust on it,” Luna explained.

When Twilight heard the princess’s words her face lit up with excitement. “You read it too! Tell me is any of it true or is this just a work of fiction?”

Luna giggled softly at the unicorn’s high level of enthusiasm. Twilight went to the corner of the room and dragged over another cushion, a dark green one. She placed it by her own. “Please sit down Luna.”

“Thank you Twilight.” Again Luna smiled as she very elegantly lowered herself onto the cushion. Twilight softly dropped onto her own. The exited filly kept her eyes fixed on the princess. “This book is a very accurate depiction of what happened back when humans once came to our land. It all happened over 2,000 years ago. Celestia and I were still little fillies. During that time humans lived in our world for nearly two decades. We actually got to know some of them. But then the cruel ones acted,” the princess remarked.

“What happened?” Twilight asked still full of intrigue.

“A group of vile humans sought to abuse us for their own selfish means. In the end my father had to step in and as king he banished humans from our world. The gateway once joining our worlds was sealed and there was to be no trace of them ever being here. It’s sad. Most of the humans were very kind and caring.” Luna merely shook her head.

“It’s a pity what cruelty can do,” Twilight admitted.

“I know.” The princess thought a moment then a question came to her. “So tell me Twilight. Why are you so fascinated by humans anyway?”

She was momentarily stymied as she tried to answer Luna’s question. Twilight actually pondered what about humans enticed her. Then she looked back up at Luna and said, “Well they are a race unlike any other in Equestria. Before I found this book I heard about humans when I was studying in Canterlot. But at the time the only books I found about them just made it all sound like fictitious legends. After finding this one it quickly rekindled my interest.”

Luna smiled warmly at the young unicorn. “I can see why my sister has such an innate interest in you. You have such a passion about you Twilight. It’s no wonder you were so willing to help me fit in at that Nightmare Night celebration last year. I want to thank you again for being so kind,” the princess spoke fondly.

Twilight blushed and sat back a little. “You’re welcome princess…I mean Luna. Heh, heh.” The unicorn felt a little embarrassed. Then she decided to change the conversation. “So anyway, now you know why I find humans so interesting.”

“Yes. Though I somehow suspect there’s more to this than you’re telling me.”

Twilight’s eyes widened for a moment. Could Luna read minds? she thought for a moment. Shaking her head she decided to indulge the princess. “You are quite correct princess. There is more. Though it may sound silly,” Twilight confessed.

“Please tell me anyway. I enjoy talking with you,” Luna said joyfully smiling.

Twilight sighed not knowing how the princess would react to what she was about to say. “Alright. Ever since I learned about them…I’ve often daydreamed of what it would be like to meet a human. I know it’s quite impossible, but it never hurts to dream does it. It’s silly though.” The unicorn remarked sighing heavily. Twilight felt a glass shoe covered hoof rest softly against her left shoulder. Elevating her head she saw Luna standing before her, both her mane and tiara twinkling majestically.

“Our dreams are never silly Twilight. Yours is no exception. Don’t give up on your dreams. Who knows what the future holds?” Luna remarked trotting softly toward a nearby window. She craned her gaze upward at the night sky – specifically to the moon. Luna recalled how she had been imprisoned there for so many countless years. In her loneliest dreams she had no idea that she’d be free and then cleansed by the Elements of Harmony.

Twilight walked over to the princess and joined her staring at the moon. She turned her head and asked, “Luna…are you okay?”

Luna shook her head and looked at the lavender unicorn. “I’m fine Twilight. It’s nothing,” she replied.

Twilight wasn’t completely sure that was true. Either way she was still happy to be spending time with Luna. The two returned to the cushions. Spike entered the room carrying refreshments. He then kindly greeted the princess. The three chatted for a bit, then the little purple dragon left leaving the two mares alone to talk. They spoke about various things, how they’d both been and their lives in general. The two spent nearly two hours together. The hour grew late and Luna had to leave. She thanked Twilight and Spike for their gracious hospitality. Then she departed.

_________________________

The princess unfolded her long majestic wings and took to the air. Luna sincerely hoped Twilight hadn’t thought she had been rude, but she needed to get away. The lavender unicorn never knew it, but the princess almost cancelled her visit. The dark blue alicorn had been feeling more and more troubled as of late. Her thoughts continued dwelling on her haunting past. Luna still felt so very confused, despite Celestia having said all was forgiven. She was grateful the Elements of Harmony had cleansed her, but something still ate at her. The world she knew had changed so drastically. For one thousand years she had been known as Nightmare Moon a mare of darkness. The princess had been unloved by the ponies, while her elder sister was beloved and cherished by all.

The alicorn flew on into the night sky. She didn’t know where she was headed. The princess didn’t even care. She just wanted so badly to get away. Even though she had been forgiven and was making new friends, Luna still felt so riddled with guilt and sorrow. It was nearly maddening. The alicorn knew she didn’t need to feel this way, but couldn’t help it. At that moment Luna almost wished she could leave Equestria and go anywhere else.

Her wings beat swiftly against the brisk night air. She sailed along quickly at a pace even Rainbow Dash would find impressive. Then as Luna looked up she discovered an odd portal emerge before her. It seemed to appear form out of nowhere. She tried to reverse her wings and slow her pace, but it was too late. An outside force almost seemed to be dragging her into the gateway. The princess closed her eyes as she flew into the portal. Opening her eyes she appeared to have crossed the threshold. Though it didn’t appear that she had ended up anywhere else. Night was still occurring. The moon and stars continued to shine in the sky. Then she discovered something was very wrong with the celestial bodies. The moon was out of phase. It had just been nearly half way through its first quarter. Now it appeared to have just started waning after being full. Luna also noticed the stars were out of alignment. The constellations weren’t in the same patterns. It would seem the portal had taken her to a different land. But where was she now?

The princess glanced back over her shoulder. There she saw the portal was still opened and glowing. Though she was a little curious about this new land, she didn’t really have the energy to go exploring. Thus she decided she’d simply go back through and head home. Just as she began to change directions a heavy tail wind kicked up. Flying became all but impossible for her. In moments the airborne pony lost control and began careening about the darkened sky. Her course took her dangerously close to a tree. Her left wing struck one of the tree’s lower limbs. Luna was knocked out of the air and went crashing onto the grassy ground below. She landed making a noticeable thud.

The pony’s crash did not go unnoticed. Nearby stood a small ranch house. Though the hour was late, the dweller was still awake. He noticed the sounds of the crash. The area in which he lived rarely experienced anything out of the ordinary. A sudden crashing noise in the night would certainly draw attention.

Luna heard a door shut off in the distance. A gentle breeze began blowing, rustling the blades of grass and the leaves in the nearby tree she had struck. As the breeze hushed, she heard the sound of footfalls along the grass. The princess knew that someone was approaching. She had to run away. There was no telling if the approaching individual was friendly or hostile. Cautiously Luna tried to stand. She succeeded in making it up on her hooves. Quickly she unfolded her wings. A sharp pain in her left wing prevented her from taking off. Flying was unfortunately out for the time being. This left her with only one other recourse, and that was to gallop away. She placed her right front hoof forward to get her footing. Just as she put her weight on it, she felt another sharp pain in her ankle. Instead of moving forward she collapsed. The princess remained still hoping to go unnoticed. She knew if things got ugly, there was always her magic to rely on.

A glow coming from a flashlight pooled around her. The silhouette of an individual unlike any creature she’d seen in countless years grasped the light in its left hand. The shape of the figure seemed oddly familiar to her. Finally the person caught up to her. The same light revealing her also revealed the creature. Studying it carefully Luna recognized it as a human. From what she could tell it was an adult male still somewhat on the young side. He was clad in clothing bearing an unfamiliar style to her. The man was in fact dressed in blue jeans accompanied by a black gold buckle belt, a dark green long sleeve shirt covered by a dark blue lined jacket unzipped, and gray and black shoes. Craning her head upward she saw he possessed a head of thick short black hair. His eyes were too poorly illuminated for her to distinguish their color. Still the calm expression on his face made her feel a little at ease.

The human on the other hand couldn’t help but stare at her for several moments. Never had he seen a pony quite like her. As far as he knew ponies never had fur or manes in such a color combination. He noticed how elegant her shoes were and that she was wearing jewelry. Scratching his head for a moment he concluded she must belong to one of the wealthy horse farmers on the other side of town. Still she was unlike anything he’d every laid eyes on. He thought she was incredibly beautiful for a pony.

Like all humans, he endeavored to speak to her, though he didn’t expect to get a response. “Are you okay?” The man asked.

What happened next took him quite by surprise. “No, I think I’m injured,” she replied in a trembling voice.

The man’s eyes widened and he struggled to keep from dropping his flashlight. She spoke! Never in his life had he known a pony or horse to speak. “You can talk?!” He asked in astonishment.

Luna sighed and replied, “Yes, I can.”

He could barely believe his ears. But she had spoke twice. This was hardly a coincidence. “You can talk! Where are you from?” he asked.

“From a land called Equestria,” Luna replied.

“I’m not aware of any such place here on Earth. Where is Equestria?” He responded.

“It’d take too long to explain,” she replied. The pony winced from the pain in her wing and ankle.

Shaking his head, the man figured the explanations could wait. Right now she clearly needed some help. “You are hurt,” he expressed noticing her favor her right front hoof and more amazingly her left wing. The man began to feel that his senses were deceiving him. Ponies don’t have wings. He thought. “Here let me help you.” Luna pulled back uncertain of his intentions. “It’s okay, I won’t hurt you. My name is David. What’s yours?” He asked in a calm voice.

Her ears drooped for a moment. “My name is Luna,” she replied. The princess figured she’d keep her royal status a secret for the time being.

“Luna…that’s a lovely name,” he replied. She merely blinked puzzled by his words. “Okay, I just need you to stand up for me,” David said softly. She slowly rose to her feet staring at him curiously. He stood by her right side. “Okay now, try to get up on your hind legs if you can. Then place your right front leg over my right shoulder,” he instructed. Luna did so. Standing on her hind legs she stood an inch taller than David. He must have stood around five foot ten inches. On all fours she was about an inch shorter than he was. Once she had her hoof around his shoulder she leaned against him. Luna was surprisingly light for a full-grown pony or perhaps she was merely light on her feet. Either way this made aiding her much easier than David expected. “Okay now, I’ll take you back to my place Luna. Then we’ll see about fixing you up,” he said compassionately.

“Okay…David,” the princess replied. She still felt a bit uneasy, but he was the only one who could help her at the moment.

Gradually the human’s home grew closer and closer. The princess couldn’t make out the details of his dwelling due to the obscuring shroud of night. Thankfully his home didn’t have a foreboding quality to it. On the contrary it felt oddly welcoming. David carefully balanced the injured Luna on his shoulder while he slowly opened the front door.

Inside Luna discovered a very well lit living room. The walls had a rustic cabin design. The room was well furnished with a plush tan sofa, a coffee table and two dark green comfy easy chairs. The room contained additional furnishings like shelves, and even some items she was unfamiliar with. There were decorative wall sconces and a few table lamps providing the room with electrified light. It was not unlike the illuminating technology found in the bigger cities of Equestria. She ceased her study of the décor when she felt the pain rebound within her. Luna grimaced. “Oooh,” she moaned softly.

David’s face filled with solicitude for her wellbeing. Carefully he helped Luna walk to the couch. There he coaxed her to sit and lie down. “Rest here Luna. I’m going to get my first aid supplies,” he remarked leaving her alone in the living room.

The alicorn still didn’t know what to make of David. He seemed genuinely kind, yet she still felt a little uneasy. Perhaps this was being precipitated by her injuries. She sighed trying to figure out how she ended up here. Luna grabbed one of the small throw cushions and rested her head on it. She perked her head up noticing the various rummaging sounds coming from the other room. The mare also recognized what sounded like the door to a fridge or freezer open and then close. Appliances like those were not uncommon in Equestria. Even some of the citizens in Ponyville had such devices.

A few more moments had passed. David had returned. His hands were filled with a variety of items. There was a white box with a red cross on it, a cold pack covered by a piece of white paper towel, and a thick tan blanket. The youthful man placed the items on the coffee table. Her turned to check on his guest. Luna was able to get a much better look at him in the light. David’s face was indeed youthful in appearance for an adult human male. His face was cleanly shaved. Studying his body she noticed he was rather fit, but if he were robust, his somewhat baggy attire concealed it. The pony shook her head wondering why she stared so long at her host. Her head rose up gazing into his eyes. His eyes were an intriguing shade of brown. While Luna consider colorful eyes to have more appeal – David’s seemed somewhat beautiful in their own way.

She felt his hands gently grasp her injured hoof. Carefully he removed her elegant shoe. Showing no interested in the item, he merely set it softly on the table. “Where is the pain greatest Luna?” He asked in calm voice.

The mare rubbed her left hoof over the right along the ankle joint. “Here,” she replied.

He knelt down and ran his hands along the joint. Her fur was amazingly soft, it was like a silky velvet. As David checked her ankle he applied some light pressure to it. Luna flinched as a jolt of pain coursed from the injury. “Sorry,” he uttered. David was hardly a veterinarian, but he’d seen enough sprains on both people and animals to notice the area was somewhat swollen. Reaching back he picked up the ice pack. He softly placed it over the injured area. Luna began to feel a cool soothing sensation circulate across her ankle. It felt nice as the throbbing pain began to lessen. David could hear the mare sigh. He smiled at her as he noticed her beautiful teal eyes staring back at him. Luna placed her other hoof on the ice pack. It partly touched his hand. For a moment she could almost swear he was blushing. Shaking her head she looked again and saw his cheeks were normal. The pain must have been effecting her senses. Still she smiled in spite of herself.

Luna’s human host rose to his feet and moved over to examine her wing. “May I see your wing Luna, please?” David asked politely. The smile remained on her face as she cautiously stretched out her injured appendage. It was fortunate for Luna that David was a lover of animals. He had tended to quite a few birds with injured wings. Her wing didn’t seem all that different from a bird’s – only larger. The shape, structure and feather coverage was very similar. Plus he’d learned a great deal from the vet he took the injured birds to. The caring man placed his hands ever so gently on her wing. He began scanning the surface for any signs of serious injury, such as abrasions or heaven forbid breaks. A cursory check revealed no serious wounds. Still he knew something was causing her pain. Just like her hoof, he applied some light pressure. She immediately shuddered from a rush of pain. David backed off not wanting to add to her ailing. From what he could conclude Luna must have lightly sprained it or perhaps she had a very slight fracture. He figured bandaging the wing would best aid in her recovery. It also stood to reason that had she sustained a break, her pain level would be a great deal higher.

Luna continued to look at him in awe. “So what did you find out?” She asked.

He turned and smiled at her. “Well you’re a very lucky…” David froze for a moment. Some of her features were hidden out in the darkness. That’s why he didn’t notice the long horn protruding from over her crown. Somehow he also missed it a few minutes ago as he saw to her injuries.

“Is everything okay David?” Luna inquired curiously.

He shook his head for a moment. “Yeah I’m fine. You’ll just have to bear with me. I’ve never seen a grown pony with wings and a horn…not to mention having such a lovely body color either,” he expressed placing his hand nervously behind his head. Luna blushed lightly. Thankfully he didn’t seem to notice. Regaining his composure he continued, “Anyway as I was going to say…you are a very lucky pony. Your wounds seem to be minor. Still I wouldn’t recommend galloping or flying for quite a few days. Though your ankle and wing are only sprained, they could break if you overdo it.”

Luna’s eyes became fixated on him for a moment. There was the utmost sincerity in his voice. She couldn’t recall the last time she heard anyone speak so kindly to her…that was other than her sister and Twilight Sparkle. It was refreshing to hear another individual show such concern for her well being. She sighed softly setting the ice pack on the cushion. “Thank you David for your hospitality. I hope I’m not imposing,” she replied.

He smiled warmly at her. “It’s alright Luna. I’m enjoying the company. And glad to be of help,” he replied. David still couldn’t believe he was talking to a pony, let alone one with wings and a horn. Though he figured if he just went with the flow maybe he’d wake up and discover it was nothing more than a dream.

Opening the first aid kit, he removed some white and tan bandages and some medical tape. “Now let’s bandage you up,” David suggested. Luna closed her eyes and nodded. The youthful man first covered her ankle and then went on to bandage her wing. He buddy tapped the wing to her side. Limiting the movement would best aid in its convalescence. Once he had finished he packed up the first aid kit. Then smiling he asked, “Are you hungry Luna?”

She shook her head. “No I’m fine…though I am a little thirsty,” she added noticing how dry her mouth had become.

“How about a nice glass of cold water?” He proposed. The pony smiled and nodded. David left the room taking the medical kit with him. While he was busy in the kitchen, Luna decided to remover her other shoes and made herself more comfortable. It finally seemed clear that his intentions were sincere. She carefully placed her shoes under the coffee table, including the one he’d placed on the table. Looking up she saw him reenter the room. He was clutching a tall glass of water in his left hand, while concealing something in his other hand.

Luna looked at him curiously. What could he be holding in his other hand? She wondered.

“Here you are,” David spoke presenting the glass. Luna momentarily tensed up. Normally she would have taken the glass with her magic, but she didn’t want to reveal her royal identity or her powers to him. That was at least not yet. Slowly she reached her front hooves out for the glass. There was a sudden twinge in her injured hoof. Luna retracted her hooves while a forlorn expression formed on her elegant pony face. He smiled at her kindly. “Where are my manners,” David expressed. “Here,” he added holding the glass up to her lips. Luna blinked for a moment and nearly felt her cheeks turn flush. It’d been centuries since she experienced chivalry of this nature. Slowly she opened her mouth. Carefully David tipped the glass allowing its contents to slowly enter her mouth. Luna drank the cool refreshing water. He pulled the glass back making sure not to give her too much at once.

Again she noticed his clutched hand. She had to know what he was holding. “What may I ask are you holding in your other hand?” Her eyes remained fixed on him.

He smiled and chuckled slightly. It suddenly dawned on him that he did still have something in his other hand. And were he in her position, David would also be wondering what he was holding. “Here,” he said opening his hand. The man presented the mare with a pair of small white pills.

She looked at them questioningly. They looked similar to pain relief medications she’d seen in Canterlot, but she knew that some pills were dangerous. “What pray tell are these for?” She asked cautiously.

Luna’s tone contained a suspicious quality. Then it hit him. He was still mostly a stranger to her. And now he was offering her pills. He completely understood her skepticism. “Oh don’t be alarmed. These are just a simple medication to help with your pain. Please Luna don’t be afraid. I’ve no intention of harming you. I only want to see you get better,” he explained. Luna gazed into his brown eyes. There was a distinct sincerity within them.

Her ears drooped down. She felt touched by his compassion. “Okay…” she uttered opening her mouth. David placed the two pills gently on her tongue. Then he offered her some more water to wash them down. She drank from the glass and carefully swallowed the pills. After she had taken the pills he offered her another sip. She took a sizable gulp and then pulled away from the glass. He set the now half-emptied glass on the coffee table. “Thank you for being so kind,” she commented. Her host gave her another warm smile.

The night in this new place, which she remembered him saying was Earth, felt quite cool. It was much like the night air in Equestria. The air within David’s home had a slight nip to it. Luna shuddered slightly from the cold. Before she could say a word, he began covering her with the warm tan blanket. He had noticed her tremble and knew it’d be best for here to stay warm. Her eyes focused on him blinking occasionally. “This should keep you warm,” he remarked thoughtfully.

“Thank you,” she responded still unsure why she couldn’t stop looking at him.

He stood up and walked over to the doorway. “I need to secure the house for the night. You just stay here and rest. Oh and please don’t hesitate to call if you need anything,” her host said walking into the adjacent room.

Luna repositioned herself. She made sure to mind her two wounds. After settling the mare began to notice just how comfortable the blanket was. The alicorn could hear him puttering in the other room. She began to notice her eyelids growing steadily heavier. A wave of fatigue began to make her feel drowsy. Luna removed her tiara and necklace placing them on the coffee table. She also placed the icepack on the table and then added a few more pillows to the area by her head. Resting her head, she let it sink into them. Before long she had drifted off to sleep.

A few minutes passed and David returned. He had checked to make sure the back door was locked and the rest of the lights were out. The kind host checked on his guest. He saw she was resting comfortably. A smiled covered his face as he moved to lock the front door. Then he tuned out all the lights except for a small lamp seated on the end table between the two chairs. David quietly dropped onto the chair closest to the sofa. He removed his jacket and covered himself with it. While the night air was cool, it hardly warranted turning on the furnace. The man kept a close vigil on the pony. He still could scarcely believe he was tending to a talking dark blue mare with wings and a unicorn’s horn. Before long he felt his eyes grow heavy. He placed a throw pillow behind his head and repositioned his jacket. In moments he too had drifted off to the land of dreams.

The room was silent, aside from their collective breathing. Neither of them was snoring. Luna’s sleep was periodically plagued as haunting visions of her past replayed in her mind. Then she found herself flying in an unfamiliar place. She felt frightened as the area around her began blur. Panic set in as she saw a tree appear right in front of her. There was no time to dodge. She braced for the impact. Luna gasped awake. She sat up partially and bumped her wing. The pain made her shake as she remembered what happened. Looking around she saw she was still in the human’s house. There beside the sofa she saw David. He was half leaning on the sofa arm. She smiled. He must have dozed off while keeping watch over her. The mare lightly placed a hoof on his arm. He moaned softly in his sleep. She had heard him muttered her name from within his slumber. He must have so many questions for me, she thought. Perhaps I should explain it to him. Though I doubt he’ll believe me. Seeing that all was calm, Luna nestled back down under the warm blanket and returned to sleep.