Skycoaster

Luna looked to Blueblood with a smirk. The song itself was a classic, but with a more...upbeat tempo anypony could move to it. The added background notes where from a time of music she missed during her exile. The beat let her be herself, not having to stick to a traditional dance. The alicorn would mirror Star Crusader's movements for the most part during the song. Midnight would accept the general's hoof and dance with her, mainly moving to the beat. The non traditional beat he felt would make it easier for somepony to dance with an injury.

Midnight would smile as he and Erzats would dance. His blush would grow as she put a hoof on his waist. It was the distraction he needed to keep his mind off the dance steps. When it finished, he'd bow to her. "Thank you for the dance Erzats. It was a pleasure. I'll let you get back to your business, unless you would like another dance? Or refreshments? We did finish by the snack table after all." he'd laugh. Meanwhile, Luna would finish mingling with most of the dignitaries as she herself would make her way to the snack table. She'd levitate an oatmeal raisin cookie and eat it rather sneakily. She'd give the general a nod. "Seems new friendships, or at least acquaintances are being made tonight. One can never have too many allies, am I correct?" Seeing Star Crusader nearby, Luna would walk over. "Captain, may I have the next dance? I do hope your husband dose not mind. I'm sure he will get a kick out of the song that I've chosen," she'd say with a wink. She'd levitate a piece of sheet music to Maestro who would take a deep breath, sigh, then nod to the princess. "If you are ready Captain?" Luna would look to her nephew with grin, waiting to see his reaction.... Song for Third Dance Midnight would look to Anwir. "May I General?" He'd offer a hoof to her as the song began.

Midnight would smile as he took her hoof. "Erzats?" he'd ask. "That's a lovely name. I have to admit, I'm not the best of dancers myself, unless you including dodging being a type of dance," he attempt to joke. "Maybe we should do a fairly simple waltz? Every guard was required to learn it at one point, though most of us bat ponies don't get to use it, so I may be a bit rusty. I apologize if I step on your hoof in advance," he'd say with a blush. As the music Blueblood had chose started, he would mumble the count to the dance. "One, two, three. One, two, three. One, two, three."

Just a heads up, I'm going to be away from a computer from Thursday till Sunday night.

Meanwhile, another pony has slipped into the ball unnoticed by most. His gray coat, purple eyes, black mane, and purple bat like wings would normally draw attention, but not tonight. Still clad in his Lunar Guard armor, he would make his way to the cookie table. He had been on office duty when the earlier commotion had happened. He’d take his helmet off and treat himself to a chocolate chip cookie. Looking over to the Princess, whom was busy greeting guests, he’d see her direct him with her eyes. Finishing his cookie, he’d nod and make his way slowly towards the two changelings. He’d take a deep breath before introducing himself. “Hello, I’m Lt. Midnight Oil.” He’d give a fanged smile. “It’s nice to meet you both. General, may I borrow your compatriot for a dance,” as he looked to Erzats. “That is if she’d like to,” he said with a blush.

Blizzard would give the honor guard captain a blank expression, before forcing a laugh at Star Crusader's comment. "Well, I'm am glad the the School for Gifted Unicorn's now places a priority on social skills on top of the excellent magical education. Back when I graduated, it was a much different place." Blizzard sighed as he looked to the ground. "I acutally lost friends at the school instead of making them...thanks to my jealousy. I went my whole curriculum without receiving even ONE class taught by Celestia herself. I ended up isolating myself from my classmates and just working on magic to try to get Celestia's attention. I used to blame it on the board. Thought they kept me out of Celestia's classes because my mother was a teacher at the school... I think the biggest blow was when Princess Celestia skipped my class's graduation because one of her star students ran through some mirror or something...." Blizzard at this point had though he had said too much. Opening an old wound. When General Anwir mentioned a vacation, he took the opportunity to change the subject. "I hear Las Pegasus is quite nice this time of year, and one hotel even offers quite a discount for those in the Royal Guard. Fire and something....I think it's called."

Candy would rub her ear with a hoof after hearing the great sphinx speak. His own language may have been the loudest thing she had ever heard. She'd blush as he called her a princess in response to her costume. It was well made, something that could be worn more then once, so she'd be glad to add it to her closet after tonight. "I hope you find something sweet as well. I can't speak for all Canterlot, but I know the chocolate that Princess Luna...er um...the castle staff will be handing out was hoof made by me. You got to try a peanut butter cup, that is if sphinxes like chocolate and peanut butter." She'd turn her attention to Blueblood, his wife, and his little foal. "I don't hope he has too much of a sweet tooth," she'd giggle. "I take it you were sastifed by the order you got from my shop," she'd wink. "You know, come to think of it, I believe the sisters from the Snow Queen also loved chocolate," as she'd put a hoof around Blizzard. "Right Elsa?" Blizzard would nod, his embarrassment beginning to wear off, as he was starting to enjoy playing the Snow Queen. The look in little Ice Storm's eyes made tonight worth it. She was enjoying a second foalhood, and seeing her happy made him happy. He would nod to offer a bow to Blueblood in character, only for a slight blush to appear on his cheeks about the dress comment. Trying to take his mind off of it, he'd return to character. "Anna and I hope that you will find our kingdom's sweets to your liking. The chocolate at the castle comes from a family recipe that dates back to our grandmother. Olaf has personally taste tested them to make sure they are up to our standards." Blizzard's horn would glow once more as he moved his hoof in synchronization with his snow and ice magic. "Though it is not a sweet, allow me to bestow the first treat to your little one." Snow would form in his hoof as it slowly grew into small snow sphinx as small streaks of ice magic would flow from his horn as he tried to match the style from the old film. Smiling, he'd levitate it to Pax. "Now then, who's ready for an adventure into the unknown of Canterlot?" ------------------------------------------------------------------------- "I am so glad to see so many ponies enjoying Nightmare Night," Luna would say with a smile. "I am glad that Twilight talked me out of canceling the holiday moons ago in Ponyville. I look forward to it every year now." She'd take a few steps back into the throne room where the chocolate was being stored. "Captain, General, Who wishes candy duty and who wishes game supervisor?" Waiting for them to decide, Luna would put a set of fake fangs into her mouth. She'd look to both her helpers and smile, making sure to show off the pointy teeth. "Remember, what happens next is for the foals. I have not returned to my evil ways, for it is just an appearance. Tis almost showtime." Luna's horn would glow as her appearance changed into that of her darker self. Using her tongue, she make sure the fangs where sent in place. She'd adjust her breastplate and helmet before beginning to laugh maniacally for a few moments. "Still got it," she'd wink to Anwir and Star Crusader. "On the sixth stroke of the clock tower, I shall make my appearance on the main stage to officially begin the celebration."

Blizzard would stoke his goatee. "Battle mage you say." his eyes would twinkle. "I've never thought about it that way. Just more of a wizard in service to the princess, though I could certainly start a few conversations with that title," he'd grin. "Titles where everything in Old Canterlot, as I am sure both of you remember growing up. Social status, traditions, even superstitions. It seems if you where born in Canterlot, you where ether destined for one of three things. Enlisting in the guard, attending the School for Gifted Unicorns, or being born into a title." Blizzard would sigh heavily. "It almost seems that if you weren't in one of those groups, having lots of bits was the only way to make up for it. In a way, I guess that's why I took my 'vacation' to the Frozen North after graduation from the school....That's a long story for another day though." When the general mentioned the scouts, he'd nod. "That might be the hardest specialization of them all. Anypony who can isolate themselves for months on end and live off the land for that long has my respect."

Candy would chuckle as Ice Storm told her of Blizzard's running away to the Frozen North. "I suppose he even made a house out of snow and ice as well." Blizzard would lower his head and nod. "And the magic stuff?" He'd nod again. Candy would get a chuckle. "Now he just needs to let go, right Ice Storm?" Candy would say with a giggle. Blizzard and Candy would both hear Bluebloods greeting as they would follow Ice Storm. Everypony seemed to be getting into character, and with a few nudges and Ice's pouty eyes, Blizzard would sigh before busting out his best royalty voice and take up a queenly posture. Something about the hips he could remember from the film as he took a few steps closer to Blueblood's Trick or Treating party. Clearing his voice, he would address Blueblood and offer his own salutation. "Greeting Anubis, I am Queen Elsa." Blizzard's horn would glow as he held a giant snowflake in his hoof. "Welcome to our kingdom. My sister and I and Olaf hope you will enjoy our hospitality and partake in all the sweets there are to offer tonight." He'd look to Ice Storm to gauge how he was going before turning back to Blueblood, Dunnie, and Nilaavin . "Your young one is simply adorable, as is the rest of your party." Candy seemed to be amazed by the Sphinx "Hi, I'm Candy Corn...I mean Princess Anna. It's a pleasure to meet you," as Candy would curtsy. "I hope you're as excited for Nightmare Night as we are, right Ice Sto....Olaf." she'd giggle. "I've never met a sphinx before. You are quite regal." ----------------------------------------------------------- Meanwhile, Luna would watch from a distance with a smile as those closest to her, as well as their friends and family where enjoying the holiday. She would put a hoof on the shoulder of Anwir. "Tis moments like these that bring me the most joy," Luna would say with a smile. "At first I was insulted by what I thought was a silly celebration of who I once was. A mockery. Twas not till I say what joy it could bring that I fully embarrassed Nightmare Night. As a wise foal once told me...sometimes if fun to be scared. And as I have discovered, sometimes it is even funner to do the scaring." Luna could not help but stifle a laugh as she watched the Lieutenant attempt to match the Snow Queen's walking style after Ice Storm nudged him. "Nightmare Night can also be quite entertaining in it's own ways," as she pointed a hoof at Blizzard and Ice Storm. "Greeting Captain Star Crusader," Luna would say. "I am glad to have both you and Anwir with me tonight. I must command both of your costumes. They are quite well done."

Blizzard would nod. "There is a lot of magic that has been lost to time. I know one project I can't wait for is to catalog the Castle of the Two Sisters library and see what can be salvaged. I'm fairly certain a restoration spell may work on the books damaged by the elements. I have a theory that somewhere in there is the spellbook that," as he looked side to side, "that Princess Luna was using before that infamous night over 1,000 years ago." Blizzard would stifle a chuckle. "Of course for preservation, not to be used. I'm more of an amulet pony myself if I where to ever turn evil," he'd joke. "So far the most interesting thing I've found in the library are some of Starswirl the Bearded's drafts of spells."

Just a quick update. Need to know if your going with the Trick or Treaters or doing the events in the castle courtyard. arrival posts may now begin as well.

Blizzard would glare at Ice Storm for a moment before reaching up to feel his fresh shaved face. He'd look to Luna then down to the ground and then sigh. Candy Corn had been off getting her costume on as well, only to return to see a cute little snow filly and....wow. She'd put a hoof up to her mouth to stop herself from laughing too much. "Wow. That Snow Queen costume is amazing, and now mine makes much more sense. It's almost as if Ice Storm planned this a little too well," as she winked. "I just have one question though Ice Storm, judging by how you and Princess Luna reacted, is there some inside joke I'm missing with...." She'd pause looking at the stallion. "Blizzard. Blizzard Blitz," he'd reluctantly answer. Luna would just nod. "Perhaps it's best for Ice Storm to tell you," as she tried to hide giggle. With Blizzard and Candy also getting their candy buckets, they would begin to make their way toward the large doors onto the castle's main courtyard ready to begin their night of tricks and treats. Meanwhile, Luna would throw in a pare of fake fangs as she awaited the time to put on her costume once more, Nightmare Moon....

Blizzard would smile and nod. "In a way I am new to the castle. At first I was one of Captain Fire Walker's experiments in a way. You see," as he'd stroke his goatee, "I'm more of a mage then a solder. A wizard if you will. I guess my uniform was her attempt at combining the two together." he'd laugh. "It's quite comfy for an ice mage. It's been enchanted to keep it cool inside." "You'd be surprised by how little I actually get assigned to Princess Twilight. Most of my duties are doing magical research and creating new spells, and of course paperwork. Lots of paperwork." He'd levitate a glass of punch over for all thee. "Another reason you probably haven't seen me around is I joined later in life compared to the average guard, but that's a long....long story that I won't bother you two with."

Luna would turn toward Anwir heading towards a few guards and smiles. "She needs this. Proper time to mingle and make connections. Now then, I believe both you and I need to mingle. I also believe each of the 'replaced' guest should get a personal apology from us." Meanwhile, a white unicorn would enter the ball. His coat was white, but had a tinge of blue. His mane longer then what most branches of the guard would allow, as well as a goatee, all in an ice blue. Something else that would stand out was the fact that instead of armor, he wore robes. They where in the color of Twilight Sparkles honor guard. Luna would look to Blueblood then back to this newcomer. "Changing of the sifts brings out all branches, doth it not," she'd chuckle. "I wonder if that is the one Commander Ice Storm mentioned...I believe Blizzard Blitz?" Quickly however, Luna would look to see a line of guests forming. "I shall leave you to the apologizing, dear nephew, as I believe I may be socializing with guests for a while." Blizzard was there out of formality. If it had been up to him, he would be in his office reading some of those 'dusty old magic books,' as his captain called them, or perhaps reading the latest Daring Do adventure, but here he was non the less. With a deep breath, he'd make his way in the direction to Captain Star Crusader and the general. "Greeting Captain, General. I'm Lieutenant Blizzard Blitz of Twilight's Honor Guard. It's a nice to finally meet you."

Candy would be knocked to a sitting position by the incoming filly whom seemed to know her name. After a few moments, it would hit her. "Ice...Ice Storm?" her voice would go up in pitch as she asked as she returned the hug. It wasn't every day that somepony you knew became an alicorn, and this apparently was that day. "I didn't expect to see you here, but now I think I know where Princess Luna got the order idea from. I'm sure the local chocolate shops aren't going to be too happy," Candy would giggle. "You're a lot stronger then you look too. Your smaller then my sisters, but hit twice as hard," she'd joke. Luna had made her way over to the stack of candy and would levitate herself out one of the chocolate bars. She'd levitate one out for herself to try. Taking a bite, the alicorn would smile. "It would appear that we have made the proper choice in our supplier of chocolate. Ice Storm had informed me of Blueblood's large order. Your candy making skills are second to none. I believe we should have more then enough." Walking over closer to Ice and Candy, she'd continue "I trust your train ride was most uneventful?" Candy would nod. "Then I hope that you will join us tonight for this celebration of Nightmare Night. I'm sure Ice would love another one of her friends joining her for trick or treating." Candy would gulp. "I really need to get back to my shop. I left Salty in charge but..." Looking down, she'd see Ice's face. "I don't have a costume...." Luna would smirk "Fear not, for I have a spare just for tonight." Candy would sigh. "Alright, ya got me, but only because this one is so cute this size." Luna would levitate a box from behind the throne and give it to Candy. She'd nod and take the costume box. "Well, I better get ready, and you should too," as Candy booped Ice Storm playfully. Meanwhile, Blizzard was getting ready. Off in a small room, he would open the box and be in shock. Closing his eyes, the unicorn would take a few deep breaths. "Your doing this for Ice Storm," he'd mutter under his breath as he began to get dressed. "And you don't want to make Princess Luna angry..." He would forgo the wig however. his mane was long enough to braid as much as he hated to admit it. Opening the door, he'd step out and slowly begin to make his way back to the others. His face was red with blush as he walked by a few guards in his ice blue dress. the long sleeves where the color of snow, as well as the cape that overlaid the dress and trailed a foot behind him. He could hear the others in the castle stifle laughter as he began to make his way back to Ice Storm and Luna. Blizzard would enter, his face still blushing as he looked to Luna, Ice Storm, and a newcomer he had yet to meet. "How....how do I look?" he'd ask, the embarrassment in his voice was prevalent. "Hmm," Luna thought aloud. "Something is missing." Luna's horn would glow for a moment as Blizzard's goatee would be zapped off his face. "Now you look perfect, right Ice Storm?"

Finishing her dance with the changeling, Luna would nod to him and smile. "Twas quite a memorable evening, even if it may have started out on the wrong hoof and opened a few old wounds." Luna had to admit to herself that dancing did take her mind off their earlier conversation in Blueblood's office. "Keep us up to date on if the situation grows worse. we shall inform Twilight Sparkle on this matter so she may assemble a team, should need be. In the meantime, I must return to my party duties." as she would bow her head in respect to Crothor. Returning to Blueblood and their guest of honor, Luna would look to her nephew. "Though the night is still young, I believe my duties mainly include meeting our guests, and of course the cutting of the cake." Luna's eyes would quickly dart to what had been Celestia's room in the castle, for fear of her hearing the word cake. "From what I understand also, you owe me the last dance of the evening dear nephew, and I shall even allow you to choose the song." "If all this dancing and standing is bothering your leg general, might I suggest having a seat and meeting some of the guards from the other branches? I know once the shift change takes affect, may of my lunar guard will be joining us for desert."

We should have the last of the set up posts finished shortly and beginning the actual Nightmare Night fun. This could also be a great Role Play for some of our newest members.

Luna would force a smile as she and Anwir walked. "Tis fine. Other then some damage from the duel, nopony was hurt, besides, I believe all the night guard and lunar guard where in attendance should something had happened. Perhaps we have gotten a bit too lax with security lately. With Twilight Sparkle ruling Equestria, we are in a period of peace and prosperity that has not been seen in many moons. Most of us believed that the unreformed changelings where few and scattered. If anything, tonight brought to light that they sill exist in numbers." As they reentered the ballroom, Luna would make her way over to the organ, whispering something in the bat pony who was playing it's ear. She'd nod. "General Crothor, If I may have this dance?" She would announce loud enough for everycreature in the room to hear. She'd extend a hoof to the changeling as the music would start. The song she chose was a bit newer, but still one of her favorites. (Song for the second dance)

Meanwhile, a train from Las Pegasus had arrived. Candy Corn would step out onto the platform in awe. Just the sight of Canterlot Castle in the background was enough to make her heart race. SHE was going to Canterlot Castle, with an order made by the princesses of Equestria themselves, and a large order at that. In the back of her head, she couldn't help to wonder if the order for Blueblood or the ones made by Flurry Heart and Shining Armor had something to do with why she got it. Ether way, she was the official supplier of Nightmare Night candy for the castle. She couldn't wait to tell Ice Storm, Windy, and Golden Bit about it when she got back to her shop. As she went to retrieve the Chocolate from the freight car, she'd stop in her hooves as she was approached by two night guards and a lunar guard. Her heart was pounding like a drum. "Miss Candy Corn," the lunar guard would say. "We're here to help transport this shipment to the castle. Luna's orders." "Lu...Luna's orders?" she'd say with a tremble. The guards would nod to her. "Um...ok. Ah, so it's these four big crates and a few smaller boxes." Candy would follow the guards to Canterlot Castle, One crate in her levitation and a few smaller boxes balanced on her back. She would be in awe at the way the main courtyard had been set up in preparation. Decorations, Booths, it was almost like a small rural Nightmare Night hub set up in the capital city. As the doors would open, the lunar guard would be the first in. "Candy delivery princess," she'd say. Luna would smile. "Please put them over to your left, in the corner where they can't be seen by guest entering." Next through the door would be the two night guards as they also would add to the stack in the corner. Last in would be the pony whom made most of it, Candy Corn. She would be too distracted by the castle itself to notice anypony else in the room. The large windows, the vaulted ceiling. By the time her eyes reached the throne, she's jump back and quickly bow. "P..Princess Luna. This is a great honor. I'm sure you'll be satisfied by the candy you ordered. Making it all was no small task." As she saw the filly, Candy would do a double take. "And who's the foal? She kinda looks familiar?" when Candy saw the wings as well as the horn, she'd freeze. "And she's an alicorn!" Luna would smile, awaiting for Ice Storm to introduce herself to her friend.

Luna forced a smile to Blueblood as he left before turning to Anwir. "Perhaps we should return to the ball." is all the alicorn could muster, a neutral expression on her muzzle. She'd follow Anwir out of the office. It was a silent walk back to the ballroom for her as she looked at each stain glass window they would pass. She'd stop in front of one of herself, along with Twilight and her friends. Sighing deeply, she'd call to Anwir. "General," as she motioned with a hoof. "Do you see the captain under this window. It dose not say victory of, nor doth it say defeat of, it says 'Redemption.' That is how we must look going forward I believe." Luna would start walking again. "Now then, to the ball. I am sure there are plenty of ponies waiting on dances," she'd say with a wink. "And I believe I offered a dance to Crothor next."

Blizzard gave her a soft smile as they shared some of their past with each other. To him, it was was a nice change of pace having a conversation with Ice Storm instead of the constant bickering that seemed to happen every other time they seemed to meet. Perhaps it was the cider's doing, perhaps it was starting an actual friendship with his former ice mage rival? Ether way, it was better then most of his night where he'd be half way through a dusty old magic book by now. "I'm sorry to hear that," he'd say hearing about Ice's mother and father. "Who's to say though that you can't enjoy every day through and look for the fun." Taking another drink of the Cider, he'd chuckle. "It's funny how most foals want to grow up right away and some never grow up," he'd poke her side. "Sometimes I think attending Celestia's school from a young age was both a blessing and a curse for me. I loved all the knowledge I gained, but social skills was something...well, let's just say every years I seemed to isolate myself more and more from my fellow classmates. By my fifth year all of my classmates had been in one of Celestia taught class except me. I resented them for it. Here I was, getting straight A's only to get passed over with each new semester." Blizzard would finish his mug before filling it again. "One year I had isolated myself so much from the others, I went Trick or Treating by myself on Nightmare Night....Dressed as Nightmare Moon... or at least what the Mare in the Moon storybook illustrated her as. My mother wasn't too happy about that...." he'd chuckle. "Come to think about it, I think I have the photo in my desk still." He'd quickly get up from where he was sitting next to Ice Storm so he could levitate the photo across the hall and show it to Ice Storm. "How about this Nightmare Night, we both go Trick or Treating together to make up for lost time," he'd chuckle before finishing off the last of his most recent mug. "I think you might be right..." as he staggered a bit. "Perhaps it's time to hit the hay..."

Luna's ear would twitch as she heard little Ice Storm growing nearer to the throne room. Her smile turned into a grin as Ice got closer and closer. Blizzard would raise an eyebrow in confusion as he could hear somepony rapidly approaching. Turning his head just in time, he'd see a blue streak burst open the doors before bowling him over and landing on top of him. Blizzard would blink his eyes a few times before being able to rise to his hooves. Did he just get run over by a foal, he thought to himself. Not just a foal, but an alicorn foal? Perhaps the collision gave him a concussion? Maybe it was the pony's Nightmare Night costume? As he tried to think of a logical explanation, he'd levitate the little pony back onto her hooves. "You have to be more careful running round Canterlot Castle," as he rubbed his temple with a hoof. Luna could not help but laugh at the fact that Blizzard didn't recognize whom had plowed him over. "Well, aren't you going to say hello Ice Storm?" Blizzard stood there, shocked. "This is your special assignment tonight. You are to take Ice Storm Trick or Treating." Blizzard's jaw would drop again as Luna would continue. "Ice Storm and I even picked a costume for you," as she winked to Ice Storm. "A fictional ice mage, whom runs away from their troubles into the frozen mountains, creates a home out of ice and snow, and hones there magical powers. In the end they realize that true power comes from friendship and love." Looking to Icy, she'd giggle. "Twas made by the finest tailors in Canterlot to fit you specifically and is of the finest quality. Now, go, get dressed. I still have guest to arrive and I wish for you to greet them before heading out." Blizzard was confused, but nodded and took the box Luna levitated to him and he would leave the throne room. With Blizzard leaving temporally, Luna would walk down and give Ice Storm a hug with her wing. "This should be quite entertaining." "Oh, before I forget, I have another surprise for you. A friend of yours from Las Pegasus is coming also," she'd say with a grin, wondering what Ice Storm's guess and reaction when she did arrive.

Luna turned as her nephew grabbed her hoof, looking at him with tears in her eyes. Her wings would extend out to hug both Blueblood and Anwir. She'd lower her in shame and rest it upon Blueblood's sholders. After all those years...perhaps she just needed a good cry. After a few moments, she'd raise her head to look at Anwir. "Tis not your fault," she'd say between sniffles. "Thou art not responsible for the deeds committed by thy ancestors, for you did not influence me to become Nightmare Moon." She looked over to the changelings, the whites of her eyes now red from crying. "I hope this dose not diminish thy view of ponykind, for it take someone much stronger to let thy emotions out then to bottle them up."

Luna sighed and lowered her head. This was not the news she needed to hear. Though Luna started to forgive herself for her time as Nightmare Moon, time had not healed all. Turning to face the group, Luna had almost gone pale. "Having dealt with this form of corruption myself, I fear that something must be done in the Badlands. Harmony must be restored as it is the only way to prevent its spread." The alicorn looked to Blueblood with shame in her eyes. A feeling felt her that she had not felt since before the tantabus. Guilt. "The presence feeds on insecurity...jealousy...greed...mistrust...the need for power. It whispers suggestions, ideas... It can be fought only by those strong willed enough. Somepony who is true of heart and free of vices that it can use to influence." "Though the ideas...spells...and....In the end the actions that where Nightmare Moon where actions of my own choosing. I chose to accept the transformation spell. I chose to cast it...and when everything was said and done, I chose to attack my own sister out of rage and jealousy." Luna looked to Blueblood and the Generals. a tear running down her eye. "If you all would excuse me...I have a grand ball to host," she'd say as an excuse to leave the room. "We shall reconviene in the ballroom. I believe the changeling general owes me a dance as well," as she tried to change the subject on the way out the door.

Out of Character Thread (Sign Up here) Sitting at her desk in a small office in Canterlot Castle, Luna would put her quill to parchment as she began planning this years coming Nightmare Night festivities. Canterlot had been just beaten out a few other cities in Equestria due to its ease of transit...and to be honest ease of collecting sweets for the foals and foals at heart. An open invitation and an opportunity to meet Nightmare Moon. Canterlot also had the infrastructure to support such an event. She also had to think about Ice Storm and what was best way for her to experience Nightmare Night. Of course she would need to clear everything with Twilight Sparkle. Luna would study a map of the castle and the surrounding area. The castle's entry courtyard would serve as the perfect location for all of the events. Bobbing for apples, using Sweet Apple Acres apples of course. Other fun games would be set up around the perimeter of the courtyard. A small stage would be planned to be off to the left hoof side, near the main steps entering the caste for music and other things, such as awards. The Trick or Treating, Luna planned out using a map of the streets nearby. With a smirk, she would cross off the days on the calendar till Nightmare Night Eve. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Meanwhile in Las Pegasus Candy Corn was about to close the Kandy Kaleidoscope for the evening when a letter would arrive. A royal letter. Candy looked at it in shock as she finally opened it. It was from Princess Luna. "An order for 1,000 peanut butter cups and 500 full size chocolate bars!" as she read the order aloud. "Deliver to Canterlot Castle in person...on Nightmare Night..." Candy would almost faint before her apprentices would catch her. "We got a lot of candy to make in two weeks." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nightmare Night To say Luna was excited was an understatement. She paced the throne room floor as she awaited her guests. One of which was one of Twilight's guards, Blizzard Blitz. He was an ice mage just like Ice Storm, and the two, though starting off rocky, had become somewhat friends. When she was informed of of Ice's plan for his costume, Luna had to make sure he was there, and to make sure he remained, had orders for him to 'Take Ice Storm Trick or Treating' though he did not know that yet... "Your Highness," Blizzard would say, bowing one knee to the former co-ruler of Equestria. "I revived a message that I was assigned to you tonight? This is an honor. I've been so busy filling in for the captain while she's away I really haven't gotten out much, and when I do I'm in the library doing magical research." Luna would nod and give the unicorn a soft smile as a greeting. Paperwork and research....no wonder he was in Twilight Sparkle's guard, Luna would think to herself. "We shall be starting soon once more of our guests arrive. Ice Storm can not wait to see you again," Luna would smirk as she awaited the arrival of the newest alicorn.