•  
  It wasn’t as if the Queen of the Night didn’t have her moments of peace and tranquility. It was in moments like these that Rarity took solace, and even a touch of pride, in her role as the personal hoofmaiden of Nightmare Moon. At the very least, it meant she was being a reasonable pony, rather than the overbearing ruler she was accustomed to being, demanding tapestry-changing every twenty-four hours.
   
  Seeing the smile of a pony at peace was good enough for Rarity. She took her featherduster and stowed it away in her mane, redirecting herself to tackle another of the castle’s many rooms, when she heard a sigh emanate from the ebony being seated upon the pillows. She paused in her step, ear perked for a word to come from her mistress.
   
  “… Mmm. Rarity. This tea dost do much to calm the mind. From whence had you acquired it?”
   
  She bowed graciously. “It is in fact, a mixture derived by my own grandmother. It has been passed down in generations in my family, and it has always served me well, in calming my nerves. I am glad to see it does much the same for you, my Mistress.”
   
  The alicorn nodded, her ethereal mane flowing freely, as she lifted the cup to take another sip. “Thou art a miracle worker in thine own right, Rarity… I was right to make you my personal servant.” She opened her eyes, slitted pupils devoid of malice for once in her long life. “I do not forget deeds such as this. When you are done with your duties, inform the chefs, that I hath allowed thee full reign of the kitchen. One wonders what other skills thou might have in hiding.” The latter half of the command had been said in a suspicious tone, but the white unicorn found herself shocked, as the night mare proceeded to toss her a wink.
   
  As elated as she felt, she composed herself, and bowed once more. “Thou are most gracious indeed, my Mistress. I will endeavor not to let you down.”
   
  “As well that you should.” came the reply, the queen settling into her cushions once again, returning to her tea. “You may go.”
   
  The maid bowed once more, and finally made her exit, closing the doors with a mere click. It was only once she was gone, that Nightmare Moon again opened her eyes, a genuine smile upon her face.
   
  “Thank you, for giving me a chance… Rarity.”

@pwingbrony
Well To protect Ponykind, some ponies must be sacrificed. To ensure their future, some freedoms must be surrendered. Nightmare Moon will ensure ponykind’s continued existence. Ponies are so like foals. She must save them from themselves.