Shadow Dance

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?"