//------------------------------// // A goodnight indeed. // Story: Aftermath of the Blanks // by HumanSVD //------------------------------// Princess Luna entered the Ponyville Inn double suite and thought it was quaint. She elected to take the bed next to the window. She wanted to see the moon and enjoy its luminescent beam shining over the comfortable twin-sized bed. Granted, it was nothing compared to her luxurious bed fit for a Royal member. Still, she doubted it would be anything short of relaxing. The room, while very rustic, had a relaxing effect and fit for the charm of Ponyville. Taking her Lunar Regalia off and setting it on the small dresser nearby, Princess Celestia followed into the room after her and did the same. This was the first time in many years they shared a bedroom together, not since the days when they were fillies. Luna smiled, remembering the old days when they lived in Old Castile, now sitting in ruins away in the dark Everfree Forest.  While it had been a tradition for every offspring of Royalty to have their own chambers, their parents had seen it fit for them to share a smaller room. It wasn’t easy for both Luna or Celestia. Their parents thought it would be a good idea to learn how to share and come to agreements whenever they had fights. For the most part, it worked, and eventually, they earned their own rooms, but it was not without pain. Remembering the small silly fights and pranks they would pull on each other, Luna smiled at the memories before being noticed by her sister. “Is there something amusing dear sister?” Taking off her shoes, Luna turned and replied, “Oh, nothing more than the memories this room brings of me.” Raising an eyebrow in confusion, Luna further clarified, “The time that mother and father made us share that small room together.” As bright as the sun, Celestia beamed a smile remembering the memories of that time. “Ah yes, they really took everything from us, did they. We used pranks to pull on each other when all we had to do was share.” Looking outside, Luna replied, “I miss them, Tia.” Taking off her Solar Regalia, Celestia closed her eyes and replied, “I do too, Lulu. Not a day goes by. I wonder what it would be like if they were here.” “What do you suppose they would think of him?” Confused, Celestia turned to her sister, who was still looking toward the moon. “I imagine not too fondly. Our parents were from a different time, after all. Griffons, Minotaurs, and virtually every other race were our enemies. Surely you must agree.” “Of course, they would. A much nastier time it was back then when the “herd” meant everything. Konrad is still a good man, though.” Looking down and sighing, Luna nodded, “Yes, sadly, I must. But I’m certain our parents would appreciate that he saved the lives of our ponies and mine.” Hearing the hoof steps getting closer, Luna turned to see her sister next to her. She felt a soft sisterly nuzzling; Luna turned to see her sister express concern on her face. “What’s bothering you, Luna? We’re here together, and Konrad’s alive. Is this not a good time to be happy?” “I want him, Tia; surely you can see the obvious!” “Yes, but...I...I hope I can make him happy, Tia. He literally has nothing, you know. No other humans exist, and he’s alone. Just like I felt many times.” Instead of another nuzzle, Luna was embraced by Celestia, feeling the warmth and sisterly care she was known for. “We will do everything we can to help him have a happy life, Luna; I promise that. Are you worried he won’t have such a life?” “More worried about what they may see him as...or us together.” “Yes, he’s been through a lot, dear sister. I worry about how the rest of Equus may see him or treat him. In some of the other countries, they may see him as a prize.” Pointing her horn at the window, Luna used a minor projection spell. A griffon-shaped image appeared in a line on the glass pane colored in a light blue hue. The projected griffon held a spear pointing at a newly formed Human whose hands were bound. “Griffons with their penchant for bits might steal him away for the highest bidder.” The human image representing Konrad was escorted away by another armed griffon, who gave a large bag of bits to the first griffon. The griffon disappeared, and a picture of a free Konrad was now running in place, seemingly chased by a new predator. “Or the Minotaurs with their penchant for hunting rare game.” The Minotaur fired a crossbow bolt, and the human image fell to the ground clutching the fatal wound as the Minotaur raised its arms in victory. Luna winced at the thought of Konrad dying a violent death. Before Celestia could ease her worries, the image of the human was surrounded by ponies. The human tried to walk away but was surrounded by more and more ponies pointing and laughing at him. Some with scornful looks on their faces. The ponies began to pelt him with fruit as if it were a sport. Turning to Celestia, Luna extended her forelegs and shook her sister in hysteria, “What if they reject him?! What if he’s seen as a freak of nature!? What if they think he’s a monster!? What if-” Using her magic, Celestia pushed her sister’s forelegs off and adjusted her ruffled mane. Making eye contact, Celestia could see the look of fear in her eyes. A smile formed on her face before saying, “Luna, I understand. You’re afraid they will fear him, and you’re afraid you’ll lose a friend.” “Yes, just as a “friend,” dear sister. Surely you must see how I feel for him.” “I promise you, we will not allow such a thing to happen. News of his arrival will take some time to travel to the rest of the kingdom, so we have time to prepare for the ponies that will no doubt flood our courts for answers. And he will be protected as well. I trust you directed your Sentinels to watch over Sweet Apple Acres for his safety.” After Luna nodded in confirmation, Celestia continued, “We both know he is incapable of hooves, my dear sister. I, too, have assigned a small contingent of my trusted Solar Guards to keep a distance from any unwanted pony or being otherwise away from him. I assure you nothing is going to harm him. He’s going to enjoy the company of the Apple Family, and he, along with Twilight and Spike, will join us in Canterlot for the time being.” Looking towards the Castle, which was barely visible and only because the high tower was lit, Celestia continued, “He will be safe there with us until his living arrangements are finalized. Together we will help him fit in and make sure he has a happy life. Outside of that, his life will be up to him. And who knows what we will learn of him and humanity, my dear sister.” “Ah yes, the knowledge of humanity. How they were just a tale for foals spun by motherly mares is now a fact. It’s why I’m afraid of how ponies will receive him.” Extending a wing to Luna’s back, “And that’s why we are going to learn about him, so we can show that he’s just a living being like us, with hopes and dreams just the same as us.” Looking toward the sight of Ponyville, Luna sighed, “I guess so...I hope all shall be right. I could not bear the thought of any emotional or physical harm coming upon Konrad.” Giggling, Celestia quipped, “Well, maybe a light slap from our niece Princess Cadence. She’s not too happy about Konrad fighting Shining Armor.” Stomping on her floor rather loudly and staring at her sister angrily, Luna rebuked, “If she knows better, then she will not do such a thing! I shall not permit it! It was a misunderstanding, and both fought bravely, as any stallion would. I doubt Shining Armor himself is even upset about it anymore!” Shaking her head, Celestia replied, “Luna, I was jesting. Besides, you cannot blame a wife for having slight misgivings towards one that brought harm to the one she loves.” “I guess that’s something we can agree on!” Looking back towards the town, with the best poker face she could muster, Luna replied, “I suppose I cannot. As I have said before, I shall not allow it. Cadence may deal with me personally if that is how she truly feels. I shall set her straight if she cannot see reason otherwise.” Looking at Luna, Celestia raised an eyebrow before looking away, pondering to herself. Luna, worried about giving away her feelings, quickly changed the subject. “I believe we should retire for the night.” Nodding, Celestia walked towards her bed and made herself comfortable as Luna quickly did the same. After adjusting herself, Luna turned toward her sister and said, “Goodnight, dear sister. We will enjoy a nice breakfast tomorrow.” “That is a splendid idea. Please rest well; we have a big day tomorrow. And if it means anything, I’m sure he would rest well knowing you looking out for him.” “Indeed we do...and I believe I should check up on him.” Looking back at the window, Luna could see the night sky with the moon as bright as ever. Despite it being a comforting sight, Luna’s mind raced with thoughts of the future, all negative and positive. Deciding that she was overthinking, Luna took a deep breath and sighed. Her eyes closed, and the surrounding ambiance noise was replaced with the indistinguishable noise of Konrad’s truck. Multiple dirt mounds in the middle of a grass field lay before her, with Konrad driving over them carelessly in the air and shouting colorful obscenities loudly. “It would seem my knight is a bit of a risky ruffian...perhaps I should join him.” After Luna shot a blue light in the sky from her horn to attract his attention, the truck came to a stop after safely landing. Konrad left the vehicle, looking confused at the blue light source. He grinned when he saw Luna as she stood before him with a smirk. Bowing slightly before motioning toward the truck with his head, Konrad winked at the Lunar Princess. “Oh yes, I’m DEFINITELY going to enjoy this no matter what!” After being helped into the truck’s passenger side, Luna buckled herself in, remembering how the safety strap worked from the previous night. It wasn’t until after clearing the first and rather large dirt mound Luna would come to regret her decision while the truck was still in free fall. ”Oh damn...” “AMERICA!!!!!” shouted Konrad before the truck landed violently.