Selene awoke from a nightmare that she couldn't recall. She had slept in and missed Goldie's departure. Not really wanting to remain in the room alone, she put on her cloak and was about to leave when Luna's voice came through the door, loud and clear.

"Selene, are you awake? May I come in?"

The warlock opened the door and stepped aside to allow the pony princess in. The room looked rather small with Luna in it, and Selene was reminded how big the pony princesses were. Even Oskar and Gaius fell short of Luna, and her sister Celestia was even bigger.

Not that she had spent much time with the Princess of the Sun. She imagined that would change in due time, but at that moment all she really wanted was to see Goldilocks again.

That would have to wait, however, as Goldie was away trying to unravel the mystery of the both of them being here.

"I see you are still wearing your cloak. I hope you don't mind, but I made you an appointment with the seamstress to get some clothes made, at Goldie's request." said Luna.

She did not mind. Goldie had mentioned something about getting Selene some proper clothes. The idea excited her. While not quite as bashful as Goldilocks, Selene was starting to feel uncomfortable wearing nothing but bandages and a cloak. The bandages didn't even cover her... parts.

"When can I see her?" asked Selene, her voice betraying a hint of excitement.

Luna smiled. "So you're interested, I take it?"

"Very much so." replied Selene. Her eyes were focused, her expression serious.

It made Luna want to laugh, but she didn't want the girl to take it the wrong way. Still, she couldn't suppress a little titter that affected the first part of what she said next.

"Glad to hear it." she began. "She will be here on the morrow. Until then, I was hoping we might spend some time getting to know one another."

Selene thought that sounded like a fine idea, and she was in a good mood. She was also hungry.

"How should we start?" asked Selene.

"Why not join me for some coffee. I am off-duty until nightfall. We can enjoy the morning and talk."

With her cloak wrapped around her Selene held the door for Luna, the two of them stepping out into the hall.

"I've been meaning to ask. What is that on your leg?" asked Selene while closing the door behind them.

Luna brought her hind leg forward and examined it, noticing that she had forgotten to remove one of the socks she had worn during the night she spent tending to her sister.

"Huh. I forgot I was wearing that." said Luna, blushing. She pulled it off with her mouth, an action that made Selene blush too, then used her magic to fold it up and tuck it away in her nebulous mane.

"Shall we?" she said, and the two of them made their way to the kitchen.

The cook was a quiet, serious unicorn, her mane tied up in a neat bun. Selene waited while she conversed with Luna, and a few moments later two cups of warm liquid—both without handles—appeared on the counter.

Luna offered Selene her cup first, from which she took a tentative sip. "It's good!" she exclaimed, then took another swallow. It was smooth, and not too hot either.

"I'm glad you like it. Medium roast, with a splash of mare's milk: my personal favorite."

Selene wondered privately where the mare's milk came from, but thought it impolite to ask.

When they both had their cups they went out to the balcony to feel the crisp morning air and look upon the city below, where the common ponies had already begun their daily labors.

"I must admit there is something glorious about my sister's cherished daylight." said Luna.

Selene winced at the word 'daylight,' and a peculiar dread washed over her, only to be swept away as quickly as it had come.

"Is something the matter?" asked Luna, looking at Selene.

The warlock shook her head, not wanting to bother the princess with something as trivial as a fleeting feeling.

She took another sip of her coffee and wondered at the cool breeze beneath her cloak and how the chill drew her attention back to the warm cup, which she held in both hands. It picked out the warm sensations, like the gentle sunlight on her face or the warm porcelain in her palms, making them more distinct and memorable.

It was strangely fulfilling to stand in the sun without fear. The soft light was unlike any she had known in a long time, but just how long she could not recall. Even still, she was happy enjoying the invigorating moment with its contrasts and mild pleasures.

When their coffee was finished they returned the cups to the kitchen, and Luna had the cook prepare a bowl of porridge, which was Goldie's favorite.

"I apologize for the lack of human cuisine." said Luna. "It seems our cultures share a love of sweets, but from where we draw sustenance seems to differ somewhat. Oats, however, are apparently universal; a convenience we have taken advantage of lately."

Selene appreciated Luna's concern for her wellbeing. She did not expect the princess to be so warm. Not that she expected her to be cold, exactly...

Perhaps she was projecting a bit of how she saw herself onto the princess. She felt a certain kinship with her, and the pony had a certain beauty that she envied, though not maliciously.

Still, in spite of everything Selene felt like there was something she needed to be doing. She wasn't used to leisure, or remaining long in one place. If she had a purpose, though, it was probably locked away in her memories.

And what if I don't like it?

She supposed she would just have to wait and see, or perhaps even find a new purpose…

Author's Note

Wanted to check in with Selene before moving on to Goldie and Twilight’s trip, but this took much longer than expected, with much of what I had written early-on now going into a later chapter.