Writings and Stories

[Kaltes-Herzeleid]

Moon Watching

I registered the quite sounds of someone approaching from behind and I couldn't help but smile as I looked over my shoulder to see her making her way towards me. Her wings neatly folded against her black furred equine body, her ethereal, flowing mane sparkling beautifully and majestically as always. She wore her armor, I noted it must've been recently polished, as it gleamed and glinted brighter than usual. The autumn air was pleasantly cool and the crickets chirped and sang away, the fallen leaves rustling and billowing away with the breeze.


"Glad you could join me," I said playfully as she sat down on the soft green blanket I'd laid out over the grass for us to sit on.


"But of course," Nightmare Moon smiled softly at me before settling down at my side, a wing brushing up against my arm as I looked to the sky. "Do you intend to celebrate every eclipse?" She asked with a slight laugh, "it's not like I made this one."


"No, but it's still the moon. I've always liked the moon, even before I met you," I replied, a hand rubbing her back, the fur soft and warm to the touch. That, and I had always wanted to try and repay her for the night she had created just for me on the first night of winter nearly a year ago. I felt her glance over at me with her lovely teal eyes, a cute ear flicking once.


"You have?" She asked in mock innocence, "I never knew."


I only chuckled, keeping my eyes focused on the sky, waiting for the eclipse to begin.


"Though I do appreciate it, more than you could know."


"I always love spending time with you Nightmare," I said, turning my head to look at her fully, moving my hand up to the back of her head to stroke her flowing mane, feeling her body press closer to mine. "I want to create experiences with you too," I held her in my arms now, pulling her gently into my lap. She looked me in the eyes as she always did, warmth filling my chest as she smiled, leaning in so her nose delicately touched mine.


"As do I, my dear," Nightmare said, "though I think we best pay attention now, don't want to miss it, hmm?"


We turned out gaze to the sky, which now seemed so endless and majestic, the moon huge and red. Probably bigger than any moon I'd ever seen, glowing so brightly. There were no stars around it, only a black sky, the moon's now red glow shining down upon us. I felt my arms hold her closer, briefly I looked at her, her beautiful face was content as she looked at the red orb in the sky. Nightmare's eyes drinking in its blood red splendor and her lips turned upward in a smile. With her flowing mane and armor, basking in the moon's crimson glow. An imagine of stunning awe and beauty I would hold in my memory forever.


I looked at her for a few more seconds before returning my gaze to the sky, my elation felt as though it was as far and high as the moon itself. Made all the sweeter that she and I had created a unique experience together, the feeling she and I were the only two in the world. Just the two of us...and the big, red moon.




Author's Note:
Written in honor of tonight's lunar eclipse.

[Sentimental Gentleman]

This was wonderful, Kaltes! I figured you'd be doing something special with Nightmare.

This story shows all your usual skill in evoking the simple details of life and revealing their aspects of wonder and melancholy. It's always a treat to see you having a new story up!

[Kaltes-Herzeleid]

Autumn Walk


"I always liked this time of year," I said. The sky was dark and a perfect half moon hung within it, the trees mostly bare and the leaves rustling with the breeze. The gnarled branches hanging overhead casting shadows resembling twisted claws, the chilling air causing me to zip up my dark colored hoodie a bit more, I rarely wore jackets as I found them too restrictive for my tastes. The insects and their songs were absent tonight due to the weather, there were no cars or the sounds of anyone else's voice save for ours. "Though I'll admit if you weren't here I'd probably be a bit creeped out."


Nightmare Rarity looked at me, her eyes glowing in the shadows, their sapphire hue seemed to bleed into the darkness around her so radiantly as she peered at me. She was unfazed by the chilling breeze, her mane and tail flowing freely with it in great waves.


"Afraid of the dark?" She asked, affectionately pressing her shoulder against me as I draped an arm around her shoulders.


"More of what's in it."


"Ironic, considering I'm the monster in the dark that ponies still fear," she chuckled as we walked along.


"But don't worry, I'd protect you from any monster," she nuzzled my recently shaven cheek. I could feel a blush creeping up on my face, serving only to increase my bashfulness.


"You know, usually it's the man who makes promises like that," I laughed, rubbing the back of my head as we stopped along the railing, overlooking the pond. It's surface remained still due to the current absence of the wind. I held Nightmare Rarity a bit closer, at times it felt like I couldn't hold her close enough, my hand running through the soft black fur and stopping on her chest. Never once did her standing by my side feel unnatural, it was like she was meant to be there.


"Something on your mind?" Nightmare Rarity inquired knowingly. She knew when I was thinking, she knew the look.


"Just thinking about how fast this year has gone by, yet so much has happened in that time. I've never really had a year that had mostly good things happen that make me want to remember, it's new to me." I wasn't sure what else to say, or how else to describe it, save for that happy feeling that hung in my chest.


"Hm, I have many memories, but I'll always cherish the ones I create with you," she said in a warm tone, causing my gaze to shift over towards hers. A familiar black hoof lifted to my face to gently push my glasses back up the bridge of my nose properly. My free hand carefully wrapping around the hoof to hold it tenderly, looking at her. My Nightmare.


"Only ten days until the holiday," I said with a smile. Nightmare Rarity raised an eyebrow coyly and asked: "What holiday?"


We both laughed and continued on our way, briefly I saw ripples spread out across the pond's formerly stagnant surface due to the breeze making a sudden comeback.


"So what plans do you have in mind?" She glanced over at me with a playfully smug smile. I smirked as now it was my turn to play innocent.


"I have no idea what you're talking about," I replied, unable to suppress a rather large grin as we came upon the door to our home. The walk so routine I hardly noticed it, taking me only a matter of seconds to pull out my keys and unlock it.


"Well either way, I'm very much looking forward to it," she said before we stepped inside, I shut the door behind us and locked it.


"So am I Nightmare," I said more to myself than to her, watching as she sat on the couch. I breathed out deeply in satisfaction, the happy feeling glowing brightly within my chest to a point where I felt like I may be floating.


"Coming?" She asked from the couch softly, looking at me again with her gorgeous eyes. I only nodded and unzipped my hoodie and hung it on the hanger attached to the wall and kicked my shoes off and headed over to her and sat down at her side. Serenity seemed to exude from her and wash over me like a waterfall. She made what seemed the simplest things in life extraordinary, I smiled as I held her once more, knowing this would all be another beautiful memory with her.


There were already so many, but there were so much, much more to make. The thought of that made me all the more joyous.

[Kaltes-Herzeleid]

A Gift

My hand, concealed within my left pocket gripped at the little box contained inside with a gentle tightness as I sat down on the couch, the room dimly lit and the TV off. Nightmare Rarity and I had spent much of the day together, in a hour or two we'd be heading out to enjoy a nice walk around town, see the decorations; perhaps make a few purchases here and there. I heard her clear her throat to snap me back into the present and saw a piece of candy corn hovering up to my lips.


"Oh right," I said mostly to myself before eating it, the bag of said candy corn sat between us as she cuddled up next me. Forelegs resting across my lap as she smiled with a somewhat knowing sweetness.


"Something on your mind?" She asked before eating another piece of candy corn herself, my hand felt the box in my pocket once more, and I briefly thought I should've kept it my right as she was sitting to my left. I managed to keep my face straight though I still felt the tug of a smile at the corners of my lips.


"No, just happy the holiday is here, been waiting all year after all," I replied with a smile. Nightmare Rarity nodded, still fixing me with a knowing stare.



"Mmhm, I'd be more inclined to believe that if your hand wasn't fidgeting with something in your pocket," she replied, also with a smile. And batted her beautiful, long eyelashes playfully at me. Her long horn lit up again as she levitated another piece of candy corn up (her favorite kind of candy) and proceeded to eat it.


"You got me," I said, suppressing a slight chuckle, "I was debating whether I should give it to you now or outside...but I think now is best."


"You have a gift for me?" Nightmare asked, magically tying the bag of sweet tasting candy shut and quietly placing it on the table.


"Yeah," I nodded, my voice suddenly becoming quiet. "I had to," Nightmare Rarity pulled away somewhat to give me space as I pulled the box out of my pocket, keeping my hand over it to conceal it properly. "Nightmare...this has been the happiest year of my life so far, and I don't think anything I could do could thank you for that...but I had to get you something."


I turned my hand over and revealed the little box over, her sapphire eyes widened ever so slightly and small gasp escaped her. Her horn glowed once more as the little box was levitated up to her, and slowly, very slowly was opened to reveal its contents. The shock was evident on her face as she looked at the necklace, an elegant silver chain that glinted in the dim light...and the sapphire. Perfect in every way, hung from it, styled in the unique image of her cutie mark. Resembling a combination of a diamond and twinkling star. Then her eyes shifted to the little note that had accompanied it. Obviously written by me.


"To my love, the one who have me everything."


"I know you already have so many jewels, but-," I was silence by a loving, passionate kiss that pinned me to the couch, one that I did not hesitate to return. My arms enclosing around her back, the familiar, soft black fur leaving a tingling sensation on my arms as I held her. The sweet taste of candy corn lingering between us.


When she finally broke the kiss I gasp slightly, being able to fully take air into my lungs once more, a light smile fluttering onto my face. "I guess you like it?"


"'Like it?'" Nightmare Rarity repeated playfully, "I adore it. Michael...this must've cost you a small fortune!" She exclaimed, observing the gift again, the sapphire gleamed magnificently.


"I saved up the who year for something special, and of course personalization. You deserved something like this...for everything."


She looked down at me with a tender smile, a hoof caressing my jawline lovingly. Nightmare climbed off me and gave me an enticing look before asking, "Will you do the honors?"


"Of course," I replied, allowing her to shift around so her back faced me. I gently took the necklace in my hand and with my other brushed her flowing mane to one side, enjoying the exquisitely soft feeling, carefully I opened the necklace and slowly brought it around her neck; closing it once again. I could tell she was looking at it, touched that I worked so long to get her something like this. I leaned in and wrapped my arms around her shoulders, placing a kiss on the back of her neck.


"Happy Nightmare Night."

[Ziggy and Angelbaby]

Happy Nightmare Night to the two of you; I'm sure it'll be one to remember.

[Lurker]

Hell yeah, happy Nightmare Night.

[Kaltes-Herzeleid]

By Her Side
----

I was her servant. Her favorite servant. Long before I was born or by fortunate circumstance had arrived in this strange world inhabited by ponies and other magical creatures and where the night never ended. I knew the first time I saw her that I should be hers and hers alone. Of course she paid me little attention at first, I was just another lowly castle servant, albeit an unusual one. Whenever I did something that pleased her or performed a task correctly I always felt my heart beat faster and my face heat up at her approving look or smile. Her smile frightened some, a fact she knew, but one I found so beautiful. She spoke to me more often, at times even using my name, much to my delight; dare I say we even got on friendly terms. At least as friendly as she was willing to be.


It went on like this for at least a year or so until everything changed.


----


"Michael" the posh and slightly harsh voice of Rarity reached me, jarring me out of my thoughts and causing me to straighten up slightly. She was in charge of the castle staff and as such I had to obey most of her orders.


"Yes?"


"Her Highness has requested you join in her private quarters, now," she said, looking me up and down with her usual fashion conscious eyes. "There's a wrinkle in your shirt, now get moving, " she ordered. I felt she may have been a bit jealous that I was Nightmare Moon's favorite and not her, wordlessly I passed her, pushing my glasses up the bridge of my nose and walked down the gloomy but familiar corridors of the castle. I hadn't gotten lost as much as one might think. The blue flames flickered and glowed in a eerie radiance, casting my large and distorted shadow on the ground. Self consciously I smoothed out my purple shirt. Another thing that separated me from the other servants. They wore blue and purple mostly, I wore black and purple.


At Nightmare Moon's request. It had happened seemingly for no reason, just something she had commanded. And I followed.


I wore her colors. "Hers."


I entered the throne room as I had so many times, the majestic banners proclaiming her victory and leadership, the numerous and carefully designed moons and stars. Her beautiful throne, bat like wings protruding from the chair itself; a great half moon looming over it. She was absent, but an imposing, armored guard indicated with a spear to the balcony. I nodded and proceeded towards it, a hand outstretched to open the glass door, the familiar magical aura enclosed the handle and opened it for me. It happened so many times that it no longer startled me, in fact it made me smile.


Nightmare Moon sat at the balcony table, another chair already pulled out for me. She looked amazing with her ethereal flowing mane and tail, her perfect armor glinting in the moonlight, cat like teal eyes locking with my brown ones and a flicker of a smile touched her lips.


"Ah, Michael," she gestured with a shoed hoof, "sit."


I obliged and sat down gingerly, the chair was firm yet comfortable and the table top was made of polished glass. The familiar but always striking moonlight showered down upon us, briefly I looked up at it before looking about her. My love. She was having her usual tea and cookies for the evening whilst she enjoyed the quiet. Not many knew this but she favored oatmeal cookies. Of which I had specifically instructed to be included for her this evening.


"You summoned me, my Queen?"


"I think for this evening we can drop the formalities, Michael." Hearing her say my name caused my heart to leap in my chest for joy. I think she could she the happiness in my eyes as she grinned at me before taking a sip of her tea.


"There's honey in this...your handiwork I assume?"


I only nodded, unbuttoning my shirt slightly to my neck some air, I noted her lovely eyes lingered on the exposed skin for a moment before she set the little cup down on the plate.


"So, why am I here, my Qu-uh Nightmare Moon?" I asked, stumbling (much to my embarrassment) over my words. I was accustomed to addressing her by royal titles, not that I objected to that, but another half was excited to address her by her name so casually and freely. I had longed do so.


Nightmare Moon only smiled softly at my stammering, her smile only flustering me more.


"Why do you think? Is it so inconceivable that I enjoy the pleasure of your company?" She asked coyly.


"You'd be the first, but knowing you there's probably a reason," I replied, resting my arms easily on the table. Unable to prevent smiling back. She raised an eyebrow.


"Well then it certainly pleases me to be the first, but you are correct, there is a reason I have summoned you here this evening," her tone dropped the rare innocent playfulness and became more serious and her wings ruffled slightly as she straightened up a bit. I became confused, she had asked me to drop the formalities...I suddenly feared she was fire me. I'd never see her again my mind raced, but I calmed myself that she didn't appear particularly angry. But her appearances could be deceiving.


"A-and that reason would be?"


"Rumors have circulated for some time."


"Rumors?"


"You don't know then? I guessed as much," Nightmare Moon said, adding to my confusion. She exhaled, not in an exasperated way, but more of in a "let's cut to the point" kind of way.


"Michael, if I may be so frank as to ask...are you...infatuated with me?"


I kept my face passive, but my eyes must've spoke volumes and my cheeks raised in temperature.


"There are rumors I-I'm in love with you?"


"'Love' is a strong word, but yes there are rumors. Or rather I should say truth masquerading as rumors," she said matter of factly, eyes never leaving my face and her gorgeous visage remained calm. My own was probably nervous right now. Suitors did not sit well with her.


"Truth...?"


"You of all should know my powers of observation are sharp. I've seen the way you look at me, how you're always so willing to follow my orders-,"


"But many follow your orders," I never interrupted her until now, "what makes me so different?"


"I do not know. There just is." She paused for what seemed like an eternity, even taking the time to finish the last of her tea and steadily setting the cup down once more while I stayed silent. Heart hammering my chest.


"You desire to be with me at every chance. At first I dismissed it as a foolish little crush that would pass in time, but overtime I became...curious. If that's the right word, and now I must confess...I do feel something for you Michael."


Anxiety was replaced by a great flood of ecstasy at Nightmare Moon's words. In the past I could only dream she'd say something like that to me, who was but a servant. A alien creature in her world.


"But I must know: Do you love me?"


I averted eye contact for several seconds, looking at the ground, then at my reflection in the glass table. The moon's glow reflected in it, as did the stars. Perfect copies of the celestial forms so far above me in the twinkling night sky. Nightmare Moon did not pressure a response out of me, but I felt her eyes on me the entire time. Their glowing stare washing over me in a heavenly sensation. I sucked in a breath and composed myself and finally returned her enticing gaze.


"Yes. I love you Nightmare Moon. More than I have ever loved anyone or anything, I-," she quieted me by allowing her flowing mane to drift towards my chin, its soft touched revealing it for the physical hair it actually was, caressing my skin. Neither of us needed any further words. We leaned over the table, our lips closing the distance. Hers were soft and warm, more so than I expected. Happy, pleasurable shivers tingled down my spine and my hands gently cupped her face, enjoying the feeling of her silky black fur which I only felt in quick flashing moments. It made my fingers feel as though warmth was within them and love flowed through my heart.


We finally pulled away, locking eyes once, each of us processing what had just happened. I felt a metal covered hoof rub my shoulder and down the length of my arm, my thumb stroking her cheek.


"Thank you for joining me this evening, my dear Michael," Nightmare Moon said with a smile and sat back in her chair. Smiling back I stood up, giving a quick bow.


"It was my pleasure, will that be all Your Highness?" I looked at her. Her eyes were half lidded and she playfully smiled back.


"I think you should stay here with me for awhile longer."


"I couldn't agree more, my Queen."


As I sat down, in these very moments, life felt...became right. By her side. Forever with my great love.





Author's Note:
This came to me on a whim, set in the Nightmare Moon takeover timeline. I feel this is one of my best works.

[Kaltes-Herzeleid]

Season


The snow fell silently outside, save for the occasional gust of frozen wind that sent the little white flakes flying wildly in every which direction. The light inside the house stemming only from the strung up Christmas lights. Red, green, white and blue. It all shone wonderfully, casting soft shadows on the floors and walls in the hue of the lights themselves. It was quiet inside, peacefully so. She and I sat on the couch, close together, my hands feeling a bit cold as I slipped them under the soft green blanket. I felt a hoof brush across my hand gently and she rested her chin on my shoulder.


"I can hardly believe it's tomorrow," I said with a light smile, my head pressed against the cushions of the couch. "Feels like this year has gone by so very quickly," my fascination with the progression of time leaking into my voice somewhat as my right hand he;d her hoof beneath the warmth of the blanket. A clock ticked away in the background.


"Hm, has it been a memorable year?"


"For the most part, yes," I replied, we both knew the year hadn't been without ups and downs, but it had still been a good one. "Funny really, until you came into my life my years were forgetful overall," I hand held her black hoof a bit tighter.


"I swear...magic happens when you're around."


I heard her chuckle affectionately, foreleg wrapping around my waist and pulling me to her in a little hug.


"As always you demonstrate your fine way with words, I would be lying if I said you didn't make my year wonderful as well," she gave my cheek a light kiss, my eyes shifting fully to her. Illuminated by the multicolored Christmas lights. I noted they seemed to make her glowing, sapphire eyes all the more radiant as they met mine. Nightmare Rarity, this amazing, beautiful mare who had given me so much in the past year, verging on two in a matter of months now. She raised a hoof from the blanket and touched my cheek, her expression soft and loving and a wonderful smiled graced her soft and familiar lips.


"It's gone by so fast though," I said again, running a hand down her foreleg and over her hoof. "But I have so many memories."


"As do I, and I think that's rewarding in and of itself," she spoke in a satisfied voice, her eyes shifting towards the big Christmas tree. The lingering scent of pine was subtle, but ever so presence. Gifts neatly lining the bottom. "And there's more to come, tomorrow for insistence."


I nodded, smiling. "Like the year after this one. And after that, and after that, and afte-," she teasingly placed a hoof over my lips causing me to laugh.


"I think I get the general idea Michael," but she was chuckling to, I could feel her laughter lightly shaking her body against mine. Nightmare Rarity's familiar but always welcomed warmth and soft caress of her beautiful black fur. I quickly kissed her cheek before speaking again.


"Should we go to bed now?"


"We could."


"Or we could just stay up all night until Christmas morning, open the gifts, then pass out?" I suggested with a big, amused smile.


She placed her hooves on my shoulders and eased me down onto the pillows of the couch, my head slowly sinking into them.


"Or we could just sleep right here," her regal horn lit up a sparkling sapphire color, somewhere a tiny click could be heard and the lights switched off. Bathing us in shadows, her eyes glowing all the brighter. A sight that never ceased to make me think about how beautiful they are. Outline by her exquisite eyelashes.


"I like that," I said, easing myself down further seconds before we shared a quick, but meaningful kiss.


"Merry Christmas Nightmare Rarity."


"I'll see you when I wake up, my dear. Sweet dreams," her voice sounded like a pure melody with those words as I shut my eyes.


"I love you."


"And I love you, Michael."


We slept peacefully in each other's grasp, her head resting comfortable on her chest, my arms around. Silence and darkness around us, soft thoughts in our heads and happiness in our hearts.

[Ziggy and Angelbaby]

A lovely story for the holidays, Kaltes.

[Kaltes-Herzeleid]

My dearest Nightmare, the love of my life, what more could I say to you my declarations of love that I already have not. Today may be Valentine's Day, but I hope that my love for you shines through each and every day that would put the brightest of stars to shame. I'm more grateful for you than you than anything in this life. You are my love, my salvation, my heart.

I love you, Nightmare Rarity, forever and always.

From, Michael


Michael, my love, I say this to you on this day: You are the greatest thing that has ever happened to me in more ways than you could know. As I have opened your eyes to many new experiences, you have done the same for me. These past two years have been nothing but extraordinary, and I eagerly await creating more with you. My dear, you're stronger than you know, but always know: I am here. And I love you.

Happy Valentine's Day, Michael.


From, Nightmare Rarity