me take a bath in lavender oil twice in one evening!’

   I scrunched up my nose. Even I didn’t very much like the idea of that and I was a filly.

   ‘And her cooking is terrible! Even her dog won’t eat it!’

   I laughed. ‘That does sound bad. Hmm… I wonder if…’ I pondered.

   ‘What?’

   ‘You could stay at mine! I’m sure mother and father won’t mind! You can sleep in my room on the camp bed!’

  ‘What? Wait just a moment!’ Storm said. ‘Your mother and father are the King and Queen… and you’re a… princess! Surely I couldn’t…’

   ‘Don’t be silly! Come on. I’ll ask mother!’

   One thing I’ll always remember is how trusting my parents were. They welcomed Storm Sweeper into our home with open arms and much sympathy for his unfortunate situation.

   Once we’d got ourselves tucked in bed that night Storm and I spoke about our parents.

   ‘Your parents are so nice, Luna,’ Storm said.

   ‘I know they are,’ I replied. ‘I realise that I’m very lucky to have them.’

   ‘Yes, I’m lucky to have my father also. I only wish he didn’t have to work so much, but after mother died he just started working more and more. He doesn’t talk as much either.’

   I listened intently, trying to put myself in his shoes.

   ‘I think he’s sad,’ Storm said.

   ‘You could be right,’ I agreed. ‘Sometimes grown-ups respond strangely to things.’

   Just then father came into the room.

   ‘Alright you two, I think it’s about time you got some sleep,’ he said.

   ‘Aww, but we’re not sleepy!’ I replied.

   ‘I think you are. You’ve had a busy day at school. Now goodnight, my little ponies. Sweet dreams.’

   ‘Goodnight!’ Storm and I said in unison.

   Father put out the candles and left the room.

   ‘L-luna?’ I heard a voice say.

   ‘Storm? What is it?’ I asked.

   ‘I… I’m afraid of the dark,’ he said. ‘I’m afraid of the night.’

   ‘Don’t worry,’ I told him, getting out of bed and trotting over to the window. ‘There’s really nothing to worry about, come and see for yourself.’

   Storm clumsily got to his feet and made his way unsteadily towards the window.

   ‘Just look,’ I told him.

   ‘I…I’m afraid to…’ he replied, embarrassed.

   ‘You know, I think the night is a wonderful creation,’ I said. ‘Just look at the sky, jewelled with stars! It’s full of life and hope…’

   I glanced at Storm to see that his eyes were now open and he was gazing up at the night sky.

   ‘My father helped me see the beauty in the night. Something most ponies are too afraid to do.’

   ‘Then why are we always so afraid of the night?’ Storm asked.

   ‘My mother says that ponies fear the unknown,’ I said. ‘Darkness is full of mystery because our sight is hindered.’

   ‘You’re right,’ Storm said eventually. ‘But… I’m still afraid, Luna.’

   ‘That’s okay,’ I said, ‘I understand… I’m afraid of spiders.’

   ‘Really?’

   I nodded, ‘yes… but don’t tell anypony’.

   Storm smiled.

  ‘I can light a candle for you if it’ll make you feel better.’

   Before Storm could say another word I lifted my head, focusing on the candle. I felt a tiny spark of magic leave my horn and watched it flash across the room, lighting the candle. I smiled, satisfied. My aim had been perfect.

   ‘Wow! How did you do that?!’ Storm exclaimed, awestruck.

   ‘It’s the only spell I know,’ I admitted. ‘Mother taught me and I have to say, it was very difficult!’

   ‘Most ponies our age haven’t even managed to create a spark yet!’

   ‘It just takes practice,’ I told him honestly with a yawn.

   ‘It’s impressive, though,’ Storm said. ‘I guess we should get some sleep now though.’

   I nodded lethargically, climbing back into my bed and snuggling under the covers.

   ‘Goodnight Luna,’ Storm murmured.

   ‘Goodnight, Storm,’ I replied gently.

   From that night on Storm and I would observe the night more closely than even I had before. We watched the stars as they gradually moved across the sky, like my sister’s sun only much slower.

   Storm was still afraid of the night, as many ponies were, but his curiosity often got the better of him.  

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