Children of the Night-Chapter 1

Instructions

The ponies floated high above a bay, dotted with islands. Each island was glowing brightly, even though they appeared deserted. As the group glided closer, they could see the giant plants on the islands were the ones glowing, creating a rainbow of light. Luna touched down on the largest island, where a small castle was constructed in the most haphazard way possible, as if the builder had no idea what they were doing. Gari, Magpie, and Spirit drifted to the ground, huddled together nervously, followed by the rest of the foals. Suddenly, the instinct that had told them to follow Luna was gone, and they were scared. Luna smiled. She motioned for them to follow, and crossed the grass into the castle. Each step she took awakened fireflies, sending little dancing lights into the air. Magpie couldn't resist, and leaped towards the lights. Each step sent even more lights up, like fireworks. The foals smiled, and began running through the lights. Luna smiled, and opened the door to the castle. Moondancer was first to follow Luna inside. The hall they entered was vast, and lit with a silvery glow. Torches hung on the walls, with silver stars instead of flames. The ground was a little soft and spongy, but the foals hooves still echoed like thunder as they trotted inside. Luna smiled at the foals, and flew up to the ceiling. She pulled a rope, and opened some curtains. The ponies shielded their eyes from a blinding light. Magpie flew forward, towards the huge glowing moon shining at them through a skylight. "Wh-what is this place?" Moondancer asked. "This is where the moon and stars live, when I lower them each day." Luna said, fluttering down to the foals, who shrunk back, in fear. "Dont worry, I won't hurt you." Luna smiled. "Why are we here?" Trotamundo, a brown colt asked. Luna's smile faded, and she looked out at the moon above. "I wanted to help ponies, by bringing them somewhere where they are loved, and appreciated." The alicorn sighed. "Do any of you wish to go back? I wanted to take care of you, but if you would rather return to where you were, just let me know and I will return you immediately." All of the foals were scared, but each one imagined what was waiting for them in Canterlot. Moondancer shivered at the thought of returning to her foster home, where the older fillys mocked her as soon as the adults backs were turned. Magpie, Spirit and Gari imagined the cold orphanage beds, with not enough to eat. Trotamundo felt cold already, thinking of the cardboard box he slept in. The foals looked at each other, and made their decision; they would stay, at least for now. "Alright then!" Luna smiled. "I don't suppose you would like a tour?" Look out for the next chapter! And yes, this isn't part of the story. Little background here: These islands are from Luna's dream at the end of "Do Princesses Dream of Magic Sheep?", with the glowing plants. I like the idea that she is dreaming of the time she spent with these foals. Its super sweet, and I have always wondered about that place. My first idea was that this was where the Alicorns lived, but I like this better.