Three days passed and Celestia finally had to leave the medical ward. She had explained the situation to Sunset and the young mare understood. Celestia however refused to sleep anywhere else other than the room until her daughter was permitted to at least return to other sections of the palace. In her haste though she asked Cadance to spend time with Sunset. Cadance didn't need to be asked as she had been itching to visit and spend time with Sunset for quite some time.

The pink alicorn made her way from her room to Sunset's medical room. She had packed her saddle bags with books in case Sunset wanted to have somepony read to her. Cadance's mind however on how best to handle the situation was still uncertain. She was the alicorn of love, but the heavy emotional burden Sunset must be feeling was beyond her.

Cadance made her way in to Sunset's room and looked at the young mare. Sunset was still asleep her body having more energy than at first, but still wearing out quite easily.

Cadance found a spot near the bed and sat down levitating a book to read. A sudden idea struck her and she lit her magic up and a soft calming music began to play.

An hour or so passed and Sunset woke up from her dreamless sleep, a certain blue alicorn taking steps to help her new niece, though Sunset was unaware.

Cadance unaware of Sunset's awakening kept reading. She then began to notice a twitching from Sunset's ear.

" Sunset are you awake?" Cadance asked.

" Yeah I'm awake. Just lying here and thinking is all." Sunset replied.

" I see. Well I'm happy to be here. I brought some books I thought you might like since I know you can't read at the moment." Cadance replied biting her bottom lip as she knew there was no soft way to breach the subject.

" I appreciate Cadance I really do, but why are you here? I was pretty sure you hated me after all the problems we've had the past couple of months." Sunset said.

Cadance waited for a few minutes before answering.

" Sunset I'll be truthful Aunt Celestia did ask me to come spend time with you, but I've been trying to get in here to visit you for at least a week and a half. The things you said to me really did hurt me, but I think we both know that those were just petty squabbles that were said because you were worried about losing the most important pony in your life."

"I'm here to help Sunset. I don't want you to think you have to suffer alone. I've always wanted to be friends, but you pushed me away. Can we be friends Sunset? Please? " Cadance finished speaking awaiting an answer from the poor mare before her.

" Cadance I...I'd like that Cadance. I really would." Sunset said truthfully. Her own pride having been burned completely out leaving a broken, but humble mare.

Cadance smiled ear to ear. Feeling giddy despite the situation. Friends were few and far between for her these days with her position having been elevated and her education taking up most of her time.

" Thank you Sunset." Cadance replied.

A sudden thought struck the pink princess.

" Sunset have the doctors said your ok to eat anything solid?" Cadance asked.

" Yeah they said I could have simple food so long as it doesn't have any major spices or anything. Apparently some of my organs were bruised so my body is still a little off." Sunset said.

" Would you like part of an apple?" Cadance asked.

Sunset though about it and her mouth began to water. She hadn't had anything to eat since she woke up and a juicy crisp apple sounded heavenly.

" Cadance that sounds amazing. I'd love a part of one."

Cadance nodded and floated an apple up in her aura and took out a knife and began to cut it and separate the seeds and core. She then took all the slices and began to cut them into cube and triangle based shapes making them smaller and more manageable for Sunset. She knew Sunset might not be able to eat too much at once. Once she finished the task she set the pieces in a bowl she had brough along casting a preservation spell on the apple pieces to make sure they would stay fresh for however long it took for Sunset to finsih the pieces.

The process finished cadance took five pieces and floated them to the young mare.

" I know this must seem a bit embarrassing, but since your horn is out of commission I'll have to feed them to you." Cadance said looking a bit downcast.

" I understand Cadance don't worry about it. I've already had nurses and doctors poking me and changing bandages. I think the embarrassment factor left a long time ago. Having to go to the bathroom with a group of ponies helping you kinda makes this seem normal." Sunset said blushing at the memories and tears threatening to leak out her eyes.

Cadance's eyes widened, but began to float the pieces to Sunset's mouth.

Sunset smelling the apple pieces opened her mouth gingerly the skin that had started to grow still incredibly tender. As the first piece made its way in and she began to chew. She savored the flavor. Wet, moist, crisp, and sweet. It was probably the best apple she had ever had. She slowly chewed and finished the other pieces awaiting more. Cadance decided to speak.

"Sorry Sunset not right now. Lets just wait for a bit to see how you handle that much and if things are ok in half an hour or so we'll try a bit more." Cadance said.

Sunset frowned, but could hardly argue with the logic although she had the distinct impression of feeling like a filly again and being denied her favorite cookie.

" Cadance you said you brought some books. Could you please read one to me and maybe play the music again, Cadance having shut the music off when Sunset awoke, I'd really appreciate it." Sunset said.

" I'd love to Sunset." Cadance said picking up a book that Princess Celestia said was one of Sunset's favorites.

So Cadance began to read and lit her horn starting new music. Sunset lay there listening happy to have some company, and a new friend.

As the time passed and Cadance read chapter by chapter she suddenly heard a light snoring. Cadance looked down and giggled. Seeing Sunset asleep she set the book down and went back to her own reading.

Cadance could see that the situation seemed better than what she had thought, but could tell Sunset was keeping a lot in. Hopefully they would get some good news soon.

Time passed and Cadance's eye's soon fell prey to sleep as well, a certain blue alicorn being primarily responsible.

As night fell Celestia made her way into the room and smiled. Seeing Sunset Shimmer sleeping on the bed and Cadance asleep while sleeping. She rolled her eyes and conjured an additional bed and placed the alicorn of love on it placing a blanket on her.

Celestia looked on the two young mares and her heart felt hopeful. It was moments like these that she loved and lived for. Celestia had come back early to bring good news to Sunset as the Doctor Firestone seemed confident that they could proceed with the eye surgery and felt that Sunset should be able to see again normally. The matter of her physical therapy and abilities was another matter entirely the prognosis still being fairly grim.

She looked at the half moon from the window near her desk and shook her head in amusement.

" Sister your responsible for this aren't you?" Celestia said.

There was no answer, but in her minds eye she suddenly saw a dusty, but beautiful, blue alicorn smiling and winking.

Celestia lit a candle to begin her work, but a slight wind blew it out. She tried again with the same result. Celestia's brow furrowed and tried an additional four times each time the same. The Princess had wanted to finish some documents, but it appeared she would be unable to. She looked again at the moon and the stars and simply shook her head.

" I get the message Luna. I'm getting to bed." Celestia said the moon glowing a bright white if only ever so briefly.

So Celestia lay down to slumber on the other side of Sunset, two young mares softly snoring. Celestia smiled knowing it was still a bumpy road, but that maybe things just might be ok.

Author's Note

Another chapter! Hope you enjoyed it. As to how Luna can do the things she does? I tend to view her and Celestia in this world as basically being goddess's. They move the sun and moon, Celestia moving the moon since Luna is still trapped, and because of that I see them having rather insane abilities with their magic. Since Luna is the Princess, goddess, of the night it makes sense to me that she can influence ponies to fall asleep, have good dreams or no dreams etc. Her banishment is of course weakening and since she no longer is Nightmare moon the magic's restraining her abilities have basically gone out the door with the exception of the banishment...Although that banishment might not last much longer...Hint..Hint Once more..THIS STORY IS NOT REAL!!! Its a story...One I hope you enjoy. I'll plan on maybe another chapter before Wednesday. Till then good luck......P.S I'll still be going through trying to find grammar issues and correct them as best as I can.