Shadow Dance by Cerenth


                                            [Copied from https://pastebin.com/begk2EwD]

                                            [Original author Cerenth]

                                            ~~~~~~~~~~~~


                                            Deep into that darkness, peering,

                                            Long I stood there,

                                            Wondering,

                                            Fearing,

                                            Doubting.


                                            >The shadows coalesced into twisted shapes, each a reflection of the fears prominent in your mind's eye.

                                            >They danced, mocking you for your foolishness as you stared out the window.

                                            >You didn't stand a chance at spotting anything at night, but you could not tear yourself away from the window.

                                            >It was your only possibility of foresight before your fears materialised themselves before your very eyes.

                                            >The shadows danced and frolicked under the waxing moon, celebrating its dying light and yearning for the day twixt old and new moons, when darkness reigned supreme.

                                            >The candle burned with silent disdain at them, dutifully lighting the room with its meagre light in protest of their festivities.

                                            >It wasn't enough to repel the darkness outside, but it made your house a bastion of light and warmth against the encroaching gloom.

                                            >The moon hid itself behind a cloud.

                                            >The candle sputtered.

                                            >You stared into the murky blackness, straining your eyes to make out even the faintest of shapes in the night.

                                            >A flutter of movement?

                                            >No, surely that was the branch of some tree.

                                            >A shape darting across the grass.

                                            >Undoubtedly your imagination.

                                            >You kept your futile vigil all the same, your eyes staring out into nothingness.

                                            >The moon regained its courage and peeked out from behind its cloud.

                                            >Moonbeams bathed the nocturnal scene weakly, almost enough for your searching eyes to make out something...

                                            >The light.

                                            >It's throwing you off.

                                            >Licking your fingers, you poise over your candle, your only ally tonight.

                                            >It sputters at you accusingly.

                                            >You douse the flame.

                                            >Slowly, without the interference of the candle, your eyes adjust to the nocturnal landscape.

                                            >Trees and the horizon reveal themselves to you, and slowly, ever so slowly, you finally make out the dancing figures in the night.


                                            >Nothing.


                                            >Your lawn lays itself bare before you, as placid and serene as ever in the cool night air.

                                            >Your fears should have been alleviated, but you feel cold without you candle.

                                            >You turn to it longingly, yearning for its companionship and warmth once more.

                                            >Reaching out towards the box of matches lying next to it, you seek to once again rekindle its flame.

                                            >"Anon, what are you doing here?" A soft female voice calls from behind you.

                                            >You startle at the sudden reintroduction to conventional companionship.

                                            "I... I couldn't sleep." A line well rehearsed these past few nights, and yet you still stumble on the words.

                                            >"Aww... There there, mister,"

                                            >You feel a pair of hooves, still carrying the lingering warmth of bed, wrap around your waist.

                                            >"Come to bed. Momma will make you feel all better."

                                            >Reassured by the soothing tone of her voice, your stress-addled mind acquiesces to her alluring proposition.

                                            "O-okay. You're right. I'll try again."

                                            >She leads you effortlessly through the darkness back to your bed.

                                            >As you lie in the comfort of a warm duvet, you feel her searching hooves start to grab at your body.

                                            >You shift in protest, your libido euthanised with a potent mixture of fear, stress and anxiety.

                                            >"Shh... Momma's got just the thing to help you sleep."

                                            >Her hooves continue their quest southwards.

                                            >Your discomfort sparks your brain into gear.

                                            >You had a very good reason for being on edge these past few days, but you only just remembered.


                                            "T-twilight, aren't you supposed to be in Canterlot?"