In her mind, terror engulfed Snow's mind. A black massive swarm, the echoing shrieks, countless wings against her fur, innumerable bites, bites, bites. She could not move, and not even closing her eyes helped alleviate the horror. 

It only made the experience worse.

She screamed in that terrible memory. And that scream was punctuated by laughter of her tormentor. More thoughts came to her mind, the days culminating in this horrible fate. Her days were painful as they mistreated her. But that only affected her body. This, this was like they were crushing her mind. 

The Tormentor were gazing through the cage and the swarm of bats. A grim and mirthless smile the pony had. "Tell me, oh Snowy, how many lights do you see?" 

But soon the memory faded, replace by a soothing feel. At first Snow Tail thought it was the asylum after she was rescued, swaddled in a straitjacket but safe. But then she realized there was warmth, a soul within the fabric now forming around her. She opened her eyes, noticing how the alicorn had reduced in size and the wondrous outfit she wore. It was the lovely blue dress she had ever seen, in a fashion that transcended time. 

The fear was gone, and Tail grip softened to thankful hug. Torrnetial's promise seemed to cast away the nightmare. "Thanks," she simply said, exhausted from the memory. 

Star Dancer looked up at Snow, wondering what had happened. For a moment, she had seemed to be in distress. But before she could react, Torrential had done something wonderful. And then did the same for her. Dancer usually didn't care for dresses, not even before the Division. But this one, she saw looking down, was spectacular to behold. 

"Amazing. It's as if the sky had formed into fabric and shaped into a dress by your hoof, Lord Rain," she said in astonishment. Her heart warmed in the loving embrace, more intimate and caring than any other she had before. Perhaps it transcended romance - she could not tell. The only other love that compared was that for the Lady Sweeper.

She then began to blush, realizing that the dress[i]was[/i] part of the alicorn. That some essence of him had been imparted from the alicorn and onto them. For some reason, Dancer could not explain why she was feeling so embraced. However, if the cat smile of Tail was any indication, she came to the same realization. And frankly enjoyed it. 

Snow Tail was relaxed, and wanted to continue. She still had the other business to discuss with Star Dancer… and to inform Torrential about the Moon and Stars. However, after that awesome display back in Earthborn, it would seem that the Alicorn could take care of himself. 

"Ponyville? As in the old one?" she asked. "Never saw the place - I was still just a kitten before the disaster."

"I was there, once and briefly," said Dancer. "It was just after they got the new rail way installed through the town. I was on a train passing through."

"Really, how was it?"

Dancer remembered the scene decades ago, and described the sight. The younger filly had managed a window seat on the train going to Canterlot. She remembered the beautiful forest, the apple trees that must have belong to Applejack's clan, the unwalled and clean streets, the colorful and well made tents and buildings. She saw, briefly, a purple unicorn followed by a small dragon. She wondered if that was the legendary Twilight Sparkle, but soon lost the figure in the crowded street. 

"At the time, nothing really special," responded Dancer. "But compared to today…" she could say nothing, and shook her head.