Monody of a Nightmare

'Doth thou recall when We wert first sent to thine surface, dearest Luna?'

She sings back a response in the negative, though something about her thoughts sparks the feeling within Nightmare Moon that perhaps her second half isn't quite telling her the whole truth. All the same, she's not about to push it. Lifting her right forehoof up so that she can examine the underside, she idly begins to pick at the scarred frog there, rubbing and scratching at the unnaturally rough patch of muscle.

The admonishment from Luna is both expected and subsequently ignored. Her body shakes with an unheard giggle as the lunar spirit then curses Nightmare Moon's name, just loudly enough that the both of them know that she'll hear it.

Her expression soon drops, however, ears pressing down flat against her skull as her eyes slip shut and her lips press together tightly.

'Luna...hath We been forgotten by Our sister? We doth not dislike spending time with thou, of course, but...Our communications with thou hath typically not been quite so intimate.'

Nightmare Moon attempts a smile and manages half of one. Luna's mind brushes against hers, whispering appreciations for her efforts all the same.

A naked black hoof idly drags itself about in the sharp grey particles which the dust upon the moon is composed of. Its movements aren't random, however; there's a certain methodical nature to them, and as the owner of the hoof ceases moving and stands up, carefully ensuring that the disruption of air caused by her motions doesn't ruin her efforts, Luna hums inquisitively.

''Tis a landscape portrait of the Terra We once knew. We suppose it hath changed much since We last graced its lands with Our presence.'

A silent sigh leaves Nightmare Moon, her chest heaving lightly as she gazes down upon the monochromatic lake view drawing. So lost in her reminiscing, she nearly misses Luna's hushed comforts, the lilting, sorrowful notes of her song echoing throughout her mind and weaving in and out of the strands of Nightmare Moon's soul. A weak smile crosses her lips, and she lays back down, dragging a hoof across the work of art carelessly.

'Bah. We art simply an old mare reminiscing upon things which we shalt never see again. This is the way it shalt be until the end of time itself.'

A sharp, reprimanding tone enters Luna's songs, and Nightmare Moon winces, looks around jerkily as if expecting Luna to attempt to shake her off of the lunar planet's body before she snorts airlessly.

'What on Luna has thine britches in a twist?'

The snarky quip isn't enough to jar Luna out of her irritation this time, however, and the only response she gives Nightmare Moon is that she should know why Luna's mad.

It takes Nightmare Moon a few minutes to realize what she'd said to upset Luna so badly, but she shakes her head with a stubborn scowl, a tinge of bitterness entering her expression. The dullness in her eyes brightens ever so slightly, however, and that is what causes Luna to continue prodding and poking at Nightmare Moon, her songs continuously stoking her counterpart's fires until, finally, the black alicorn stands up and shakes her mane.

'FINE! Upon the next Summer Solstice, We shalt try once more to escape.'

She says it to try and shut Luna up, because surely she can't think that Nightmare Moon is ready to see her fellow ponies again. Instead, the moon sings.

Nightmare Moon's brow furrows with self-doubt, her unbeating heart twitching within her breast.

'Thou art...encouraging Us? Doth thou truly believe that We hath been purified enough to rejoin Our fellow ponies?'

Her counterpart's presence wraps around her mind like the cool breezes of the night, comforting in its familiarity and filling her tiny, scared soul with encouragement and strength.