Failure

 While some ponies were celebrating this evening others were not. 

  Luna awoke from the dream realm in my Equestria Dreamscape. Gritting her teeth she’d punched an innocent pillow and muttered several very unprincess-like things. She was in her private quarters and once again the Defender of Dreams was confronted with failure. 

  
 Rolling on to her back she stared up at the ceiling for a moment. Slowly she calmed her emotions and contemplated the nature of problem. The one pony that could most use her help was proving to be a daunting challenge because of who she was. A pendulum clock in her room chimed two in the morning. Luna rose out of bed; she had other duties she had to perform this evening. 

  
 Celestia peered over the rim of her coffee cup and stared at her younger sister across the table. A ritual that had sprung up since Luna’s return was to have breakfast together. It was a time for just them and it allowed them a moment away from the bustle and demands of their offices. This morning her sister was unusually silent and moody. 

 “Is there something on your mind?” Asked the Princess of the Sun as she levitated for another slice of raspberry coffee cake on to a waiting plate. “You seem to be pondering some problem in your mind?” 

 Luna lowered her almond croissant back to her plate and then stared at it for a few seconds. Then she took a deep breath. 

 “Yes Celly, there is something that has been troubling me recently, for I feel I am not fulfilling one of the basic tenants of my office. It is most frustrating since wish to help one of our smallest subjects, and yet my legacy now inhibits me from my performing duties.”  

 
 Celestia finished the last of her shirred egg, and then looked her younger sister in the eyes. “Would this happen to involve the young colt Stone Mane?” 

 The Princess of the Moon closed her jade green eyes. “Yes, yes it does. His nightmares have not subsided; if anything his nightly terrors are growing more ferocious every night. I have attempted to intervene every night for the last fortnight with no success. In fact I fear I am only exacerbating the problem by entering his dream fabric.”

 
 Celestia sighed and nodded her head. “I’m sorry Lulu. I know you’ve encountered this problem before but this does seem to be the most acute case you’ve ever been faced with.” The Princess of the Sun played with her napkin for a moment. “I can’t you help directly but maybe I could write another letter to his surviving family on your behest. Maybe this time he’ll believe it more than the old mare’s tales?” 

 Luna took a long sip of chamomile tea and stared out the window at the palace gardens. It was a cloudy day with scheduled rain for most of the day. The weather rather matched Luna’s mood. Celestia’s younger sister shrugged her wings.  

 
 “I guess you can try again although I doubt it will have much effect. Sorry sis, I know you want to help him just as much as I do but to really have an impact he needs someone in his dream fabric to guide him to a final resolution.” 

 Celestia suddenly got an odd twinkle in her amethyst eyes. Pouring herself another cup of coffee she stirred some raw sugar and cream in as she made her pitch. 

  
 “You know Lulu. There is another pony that may be able to directly assist you with this dilemma.” Celly paused to let a long sip of the hot elixir glide down her throat. Bless the zebras for discovering and cultivating this most amazing beverage. She continued her pitch. “And you’ve been quite impressed with her newfound talent.”

 
 Luna was beginning to take a bite of a Stilton when she froze with her mouth open and cheese floating in midair. She stared at her sister for a moment then slowly she took a bite of the cheese; with equal deliberateness she chewed it for several seconds then swallowed it. All the while her eyes never left her sister’s stare. She dabbed her mouth with a napkin then addressed her sister. 

 “Celestia, are you thinking I should involve young Applebloom with this problem of mine? Really?” 

 “I know she’s technically in the early stages of her training, according to your schedule Luna. However you’ve stated repeatedly that she’s exceeded your expectations. Also she is roughly the same age as Stone Mane; perhaps that will provide her some insight on how to communicate with him?” 

 “Yes. But remember Celly that Applebloom has lost her parents to, and only a few years ago. You do realize that having her assist Stone Mane with his recent loss is undoubtedly going to bring those memories back to the surface for her?” 

 Celestia closed her eyes and nodded her head. “Yes, yes that is quite possible, but I will state again that I believe Applebloom is stronger than most understand. I sense immense potential in that filly. I sense it in her big sister but it’s much stronger in Applebloom.” 

 Celestia finished her cup of coffee and then wiped her face with her napkin. “Of course I would ask her for assistance and advice. I would most certainly not order her to do it. It must be voluntary, but if you do ask her Lulu be prepared for her to say yes. Which means you’ll have to decide how best to employ her assistance, and be prepared to answer some tough questions from her if she agrees.” 

  Luna finished her meal and rose from her chair. “I will consider your counsel sis. I still have my reservations but your premise does have merit; however I must think on it before deciding. Now if you will forgive me I need to retire to my chambers.”       

    Luna wandered off to her quarters. Upon entering her sleeping chamber she was greeted by her mares-in-waiting who were tasked with the responsibility of grooming her coat, her mane and tail, and preening her wings. With calm, quiet efficiency two unicorns, one earth pony, and pegasus attended to her needs. In less than fifteen minutes her coat shimmered again like satin, her mane and tail flowed like rivers of silken stars, her wings had been preened to perfection and hoofs glistened like burnished wood. 

   
 With their tasks completed the mares wished her a pleasant sleep and retired from the chamber. Alone and free of trappings of her office and alone in her room the Princess of the Moon flopped on to her bed. Staring up at the ceiling she pondered her sisters proposal. 

  
 Could she in good conscious ask her student to participate in this enterprise? Would Applebloom be able to provide her any assistance with her current problem? What were the risks to the little filly if she decided to include her in this case? What was the legal precedent for involving a subject, especially a foal, in what could be a potential dangerous operation? 

  
 At the same time there was a thought forming in Luna's mind; a realization that was growing that had to be acknowledged. If Applebloom was successful in doing what she had failed at how would she, Luna the Defender of Dreams feel about that? Was her reluctance to involve Applebloom entirely based on her concerns for the well-being of her student, or was her pride and ego keeping her from seeking help with this problem? 

 She was still pondering these questions when she finally drifted off to sleep. 

 To be continued.